By Robert Mutasi 
Police in Uasin Gishu County have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend people suspected of targeting revellers through alleged drink-spiking incidents in Eldoret, following a robbery involving former 1,500m world champion Asbel Kiprop.
Kiprop, who now serves in the Kenya Police Service as a Chief Inspector, reported to police after he allegedly lost money following a night out at a club in Eldoret.
According to police, Kiprop told investigators that he had gone to an entertainment establishment along the Kisumu Road corridor on Friday to watch football before meeting a woman at the club. The two later left the premises together and went to a nearby guest house.
Police said Kiprop became incapacitated after the drinking session and later woke up alone. He reported that money was missing from his possession and that he suspected his drink had been spiked.
The incident has renewed attention on so-called “mchele” gangs, a term commonly used to describe criminals accused of drugging unsuspecting victims before stealing their valuables.
Uasin Gishu police have since launched investigations to establish what happened and trace the woman who was reportedly with Kiprop before he became unconscious.
The case has also raised concern over the safety of people frequenting entertainment venues in Eldoret, particularly those who accept drinks or leave clubs with people they have recently met.
Kiprop later spoke publicly about the incident, describing it as a serious warning to other people who frequent nightlife spots.
His decision to report the matter and discuss the experience publicly has been welcomed by police, who said victims should not remain silent because of embarrassment or fear of ridicule.
Area police commander Sephania Kamoren praised Kiprop for coming forward, saying his experience could help warn members of the public about the risks associated with accepting drinks from strangers or becoming intoxicated in unfamiliar company.
Police have urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant while in entertainment establishments and to avoid leaving drinks unattended. Members of the public have also been encouraged to report suspected drink-spiking and robbery cases promptly to law enforcement officers.
The investigation comes at a time when concerns over alleged drink-spiking incidents have been raised in different parts of the country. Such cases can be difficult to investigate because victims may lose consciousness and struggle to remember events surrounding the alleged offences.
For investigators in Eldoret, establishing how Kiprop became incapacitated, identifying the substance involved and tracing the person who accompanied him from the club will be central to the inquiry.
The police investigation will also seek to establish whether the incident was an isolated case or part of a wider pattern involving people targeting revellers in Eldoret’s nightlife establishments.
Kiprop’s case has placed renewed focus on the responsibility of both revellers and entertainment businesses to improve safety. Police are expected to continue gathering statements and reviewing available evidence as they pursue the suspect.
The former world champion’s athletics career has made him one of Kenya’s best-known middle-distance runners. He won the 1,500m world title three consecutive times and later joined the police service.
His experience has now become a public safety warning for Eldoret’s nightlife community, with police urging revellers to exercise caution and report suspicious incidents before they escalate into serious crime.