Five killed, scores injured as police, land protestors clash in Trans Mara

Five people were killed and several others injured on Monday during violent clashes between residents and police at Angata Barrikoi/Moyoi in Trans Mara, Narok County.

The deadly confrontation erupted when police attempted to stop tens of protestors who were demonstrating against grabbing of 10,000 acres of land allegedly by a senior government official.

Angata Barikkoi MCA Joseph Koech, said that a scuffle ensued after surveyors accompanied by heavy security personnel arrived at the disputed land.

He alleged that Deputy County Commissioner Abdi Hakim Jubat and the area OCPD, Bashir Ali, sent the surveyors. The Standard could not independently confirm the allegation.

Efforts to obtain comments from Jubat, Trans Mara Land Registrar Tom Chepkwes, and the Sub-County Police Commander were unsuccessful, as their phones were switched off.

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“I condemn in the strongest terms possible what unfolded here. The police used excessive force and live bullets to disperse innocent residents who were agitating for their rights. As we speak right now, tension is still high in the area, but I urge our people to remain calm,” said Koech.

Area residents expressed their anger following the government’s actions.

Joseph Kirui remarked, “We hold the government accountable for using excessive force; the Deputy County Commissioner and the Land Registrar should be held culpable for the shooting.”

He accused the government of defying a court order by deploying surveyors to the disputed 2,472 hectares of land.

The land in question is claimed by 448 families who have been farming there for decades.

 Koech emphasised that the families possess genuine title deeds and have occupied the land since 2002, having been issued the deeds under former President Daniel arap Moi.

“The government should obey the court order and stop the delineation of boundaries,” Koech insisted.

“Nobody is above the law, and the government must respect these title deeds,” he said.

Panic engulfed families as surveyors from the Ministry of Lands, land adjudication officers, and the Land Registrar from Kilgoris arrived in the area and erected beacons despite an existing court order.

This order was issued by Judge Cyprian Waswa of the Kilgoris Environment and Land Court.

Justice Waswa prohibited the government from interfering with the land until a petition filed by Samuel Kipkoros Cheruiyot and Philip Sigei, on behalf of the families, had been heard and determined.

“The 448 plaintiffs in the suit shall remain in occupation of their parcels and shall not let, subdivide, or part with possession of the suit property,” the judge stated.

As per practice direction No. 28(K) of Gazette Notice No. 5178/2014, pending the hearing of the applicant’s request dated November 25, 2024, an order for maintaining the status quo is hereby issued.

This means that the first defendants, as registered owners, shall remain so in the record and shall not subdivide or transfer the suit property, Trans Mara/Moyoi/2, to third parties.The status quo orders are not intended to evict any party already in occupation and are not meant to facilitate the invasion of the suit property by third parties at the behest of the plaintiffs or any other parties.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Angata Health Centre mortuary, while those injured are recovering in the same facility.

According to Joel Langat, the officer in charge at Angata Barrikoi Health Centre, four individuals were brought in dead. The fifth succumbed to gunshot wounds while receiving treatment.

Two police officers were also injured—one had an arrow lodged in his head and the other was wounded in the hip.

Several critically injured civilians were transferred  to Lolgorian and Kilgoris Level 4 hospitals for specialised care.

During the skirmishes, angry protestors set on fire several vehicles belonging to various State departments, a symbolic act of defiance against the State’s involvement in the land dispute.

Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno, who rushed to the scene, urged residents to remain calm.

He demanded to know why police were using live bullets against innocent civilians, saying the use of excessive force was uncalled for.

Police later dispersed crowds gathered outside the health centre amid fears that some locals were planning to retaliate against injured officers being treated at the facility.

Community elders and local leaders have since called for immediate dialogue and the suspension of any further demarcation activities until an independent investigation is conducted.

At the time of the clashes, senior county officials, including Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu and several Members of Parliament, were reportedly in a closed-door meeting at the County Commissioner’s office in Narok Town, planning for President William Ruto’s visit scheduled for May 6 and 7.

Governor Ntutu later announced that he and the county security team were heading to Angata Barrikoi to engage with the community, assess the damage, and investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

“I have been extensively briefed on the security situation in Angata Barrikoi. My team, together with the County Security team, is currently addressing the matter and engaging in consultations,” stated Ntutu.

“Why are police killing our people in Angata? Who gave the order? Was the proper procedure followed? This must stop. Why is this happening 63 years after independence?” he added.

The killings sparked outrage across the county, prompting condemnation from key leaders, including Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina and Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech.

“I strongly condemn this in the strongest terms possible. We have been trying to resolve land injustices here, but it’s clear that some individuals with vested interests are frustrating these efforts. It is tragic,” said Deputy Governor Koech.

“No one can take your land from you. As your senator, I stand firmly with you. I will visit the area to understand the situation firsthand and offer my support,” stated Senator Ole Kina.