Moi condemns police brutality in Narok clashes

KANU Chairman, Gideon Moi, has criticised the police for using excessive force in handling protesters opposed to an alleged grabbing of their land located in Angata Barrikoi area of Narok County.

Five protesters have died following the dispute.

The former Baringo senator has called on the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to probe the incidences of police brutality to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their victims to get justice.

“We vehemently condemn the excessive use of force by the police and demand the immediate commencement of investigations into this atrocity by IPOA to ensure that all officers involved are prosecuted,” said Moi.

“The right to life and property is sacred, and no Kenyan should ever pay for defending what is rightfully theirs with their blood. We call for restraint, accountability, and a swift resolution to prevent further loss of innocent lives.”

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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the deaths on Monday attributing the unfortunate incident to ethnic tensions between the Maasai and Kalenjin communities occupying the disputed land.

According to CS Murkomen, there exists a court sanctioned plan for distribution of the land which government surveyors had gone to follow up on when local youths had a violent exchange with the police officers overseeing the exercise.

"Unfortunately, the local community perceived this as a threat to their land and feared eviction. As a result, a large group of young people, estimated to be between one and two thousand, mobilized and attacked the surveyors and police officers present," Murkomen said. 

Further, five police officers are nursing injuries sustained during the exchange with one officer reportedly in a critical condition after an arrow was lodged in his death.

Additionally, six vehicles were burned.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and stand in solidarity with them. We also wish a quick recovery to those injured in this senseless violence. Justice must prevail for the victims and their families,” said Gideon.