Eldoret man who opened illegal police station wants Murkomen's nod for second project

Eldoret businessman Collins Leitich, popularly known as Chepkulei, has pleaded with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to allow him to construct another police station.

In a Facebook post, Chepkulei shared images of what appeared to be a dilapidated police station with mud structures and directly appealed to the CS.

"Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen you said we help government build police stations. Hii si kitu ya kukataza sisi kujenga. This is embarrassing, let me help you build."

The post drew an array of reactions from netizens. Some praised his community spirit, while others argued that providing security facilities should remain the government's duty.

Chepkulei's remarks came a day after Murkomen urged Kenyans to exercise patience with police officers who sometimes ask for fuel contributions when responding to emergencies.

Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama public engagement forum, the CS explained that each police station receives a capped allocation of 450 liters of fuel monthly, which often runs out before the month ends - particularly in urban areas where officers are more active.

"So please bear with the police officer if they ask you for fuel. It is not corruption or a demand for a bribe, it is simply a result of the current leasing program, which provides 450 liters per month," Murkomen said.

Chepkulei first rose to fame earlier in the year after unilaterally building and painting the Cheboror Police Patrol Base in Uasin Gishu in official police colours.

His actions were described by police as a violation of the law since no formal approvals had been granted.

He later issued a public apology, admitting he had not followed proper procedure, but explained that his sole intention was to improve security services in his area.

During a Facebook Live session at the time, he revealed he had funded the work from his own pocket and hoped officers would eventually occupy the station.

"I apologise to the authorities for maybe not going the right procedure but also not notifying most of them, but some knew about it and we are willing to cooperate with them and bring up something that is official," he said, adding that his goal was to help extend government services to the grassroots.

Despite the controversy, Chepkulei gained a loyal following and even unveiled wider ambitions, including building an athletics training camp and a dispensary.

"The next thing I will do is build an athletics camp to ensure we have more athletes and help them get international races. We will create a proper training facility to support them. We can even build a private hospital there," he said at the time.