Eldoret activist arraigned for drug trafficking charges

An Eldoret-based human rights activist has been arraigned in court to answer charges of drug trafficking.

Benson Juma Akumu appeared before Eldoret Resident Magistrate Naima Chelagat Kirui, where he denied two counts of trafficking narcotic drugs and an alternative charge of resisting arrest.

Akumu is accused of trafficking 56 rolls of cannabis valued at Sh2,800 and 52 grammes of heroin worth Sh15,600, allegedly on October 18, 2026, at Eldoret Central Police Station in Uasin Gishu County.

The drugs were allegedly found in his possession when police officers searched him at the station.

According to the prosecution, Akumu was also accused of resisting arrest by Police Constable Collins Rono and his colleague Walter Tekei by allegedly grabbing the station's grills as the officers performed their duties.

The court heard that the activist had gone to the police station following a distress call from a suspect in custody who had sought his assistance as a human rights defender.

Source: Standard