Youths invade farms, burn houses at disputed scheme

Seven people were injured and several houses set ablaze at Chepchoina Phase 3 settlement scheme in Trans Nzoia over land ownership.

A group of youths on Thursday evening descended on the Nuiyapong area, attacking the residents before torching houses.

The attackers, armed with arrows and bows, invaded the area and terrorized residents, demanding that they vacate their homes on the disputed scheme.

Police engaged the invaders in a running battle in an attempt to quell the chaos.

Pius Kapele, a victim of the violence, told journalists that he was attacked as he prepared his five-acre land for planting.

"I was busy on my farm when a group of youths attacked me and left me with injuries. I managed to slip and flee," Kapele said.

He said tension has been growing in the area for two weeks now after several people invaded some farms claiming ownership.

In 2023, the government distributed the 3000 acres to poor landless people drawn from various communities.

But the allocations triggered a dispute between the beneficiaries and a group of people from the neighbouring West Pokot county who claim ownership.

A senior politician from West Pokot is being accused of inciting the community to claim ownership of the land.

Yesterday, beneficiaries lamented that they are unable to settle due to insecurity.

Gladys Akiru protested that political interference has hindered development of the area.

"We want the government to come to our rescue. We are not doing any development on my farm because there is violent conflict after some people claimed ownership," said Akiru.

Trans-Nzoia County Commissioner Mr. Gideon Oyagi said police have been deployed in the controversial scheme to quell tension.

"We have dispatched security team to protect the inhabitants at the scheme," said Oyagi.

Despite the heavy presence of police, tension remains high at the scheme as the ongoing planting exercise is disrupted.