Collins Leitich Speaks Out on Unauthorized Police Station
Collins Leitich, a prominent Eldoret businessman known for his extravagant lifestyle, has captured national attention after establishing an unauthorized police patrol base in Chebarus village, Rift Valley. For six months, this self-styled police station operated with detention cells and handled local cases, creating an illusion of legitimacy and sparking a nationwide debate.
The Unauthorized Police Station
Leitich, also known by his nickname “Chepkulei,” reportedly set up the police patrol base without the approval of the National Police Service (NPS). The facility was painted in official police colors and included an office and detention cells, giving the impression of a legitimate security post. The station, which operated unnoticed for half a year, handled cases such as unlicensed timber products and other community disputes.
Residents of Chebarus village, unaware of the station’s illegality, believed it to be a genuine initiative aimed at improving local security. According to Leitich, the nearest official police stations were too far away to respond promptly to emergencies, leaving the community vulnerable to crime.
How the Station Was Discovered
The existence of the unauthorized police station was uncovered by officers from the Kamuyu Police Post on March 8, raising serious questions about how such an establishment operated undetected for so long. Following the discovery, Uasin Gishu County police commander Benjamin Mwanthi announced an investigation into the matter and stressed the importance of following legal procedures for setting up security facilities.
Leitich defended his actions, claiming he had consulted senior police officials. He stated that he was responding to rising crime rates, including burglary, livestock theft, and muggings. According to Leitich, he had offered his personal vehicle to assist with police operations and planned to officially hand it over to the authorities on the day the station was discovered.
Collins Leitich Speaks Out on His Flamboyant Lifestyle
Beyond his unconventional police station, Leitich is renowned for his lavish lifestyle. Social media photos showcase him traveling internationally and driving high-end vehicles. In a previous interview, he revealed spending KSh 1.2 million in a single day to hire a private jet for a business trip to Rwanda.
“On several occasions, while traveling by road, I have a fleet of cars, and it is not bragging. My love for finer things is undeniable,” Leitich remarked.
He accumulated his wealth as a business consultant, assisting foreign investors from Rwanda and Zimbabwe in navigating the Kenyan market. His opulent lifestyle includes being chauffeured in luxury cars accompanied by chase vehicles.
In 2024, Leitich hosted an extravagant wedding ceremony for his wife, Stella, in Karen, Nairobi. Despite his taste for luxury, he emphasizes that spending money is not his ultimate goal.
Humble Beginnings
Leitich’s journey to wealth began from humble origins. The third born in a family of six, he was raised by a single mother who struggled to provide for the family. At one point, financial hardship nearly forced him to drop out of school. Before achieving success, he worked at a supermarket in Nakuru before moving to Nairobi, where his business ventures flourished.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
Leitich’s bold move to open an unauthorized police station has sparked mixed reactions. Some residents praise him for addressing local security issues, while others criticize him for disregarding legal protocols. His initiative has triggered discussions about gaps in Kenya’s law enforcement system and the lengths to which private citizens might go to address community concerns.
Authorities continue to investigate the matter, with Mwanthi emphasizing that only facilities approved by the county security committee, the Inspector General, and the Interior Cabinet Secretary are legally recognized.
Whether seen as a vigilante hero or a lawbreaker, Collins Leitich’s actions have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the community of Chebarus and beyond. As the investigation progresses, many are left wondering what his next bold move will be.
