This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
On August 27, 2019, a resident of Itumbi village in Vihiga County, identified as Elias Asige, was reported to have climbed a tree to evade census officials from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
According to the Vihiga County Commissioner, Suzan Waweru, Asige was known to have a history of obstructing government officials, including census enumerators.
However, Asige was eventually apprehended by police officers who had been dispatched to the area following reports from local residents.
The operation was led by the Chief of Banja Location, Harun Mbeere, who revealed that Asige was a member of a church in Eldoret that was known to be opposed to government initiatives.
"He has been refusing to participate in any government projects, claiming that they go against the teachings of his church," Mbeere stated.
