Police in Tinderet, Nandi County, on Tuesday used teargas to disperse angry residents protesting the mysterious disappearance of parliamentary aspirant Shadrack Maritim.
The demonstrations erupted at Maraba Trading Centre, where locals carrying branches and placards demanded answers regarding Maritim’s whereabouts. The politician has reportedly been missing since October 27, after leaving home for his usual morning jog.
In footage obtained by Kenyambele.buzz, protesters were seen lighting bonfires, chanting, and blowing vuvuzelas before police intervened. Some residents were spotted crouching on the roadside as officers fired teargas to clear the area.
According to a missing person poster circulated by his family, Maritim vanished around 6 a.m. during his routine morning run in Cheplaskei, Uasin Gishu County, near Eldoret City. He is said to have left behind his mobile phone and has not communicated with anyone since.
“He went for his morning run and never came back. We are deeply worried. Please help us find him,” read part of the family’s appeal.
Maritim was last seen dressed in a grey track jacket, blue track pants, and grey sneakers. His disappearance has sparked public concern and political speculation, with some critics suggesting it could be a staged act for sympathy—claims his supporters have strongly dismissed.
Protests over his disappearance have been ongoing, with a similar demonstration held on Saturday, November 1, at the same location.
Meanwhile, Tinderet MP Julius Melly and several Nandi County leaders visited Langas Police Station in Eldoret to seek updates from security officials on the ongoing investigation.
“Following the unfortunate disappearance of Shadrack Maritim (Captain), we met with authorities to follow up on the progress of the investigations,” Melly stated after the meeting.