Tension is mounting in Nandi County after two people were reportedly shot dead by police officers on Monday, September 29, during clashes over disputed land in Kimwani, Tinderet Constituency.
According to media reports, the confrontation arose when locals attempted to reclaim parcels of land they claim were illegally acquired during the late President Daniel arap Moi’s era and later allocated to senior military officers.
Witnesses said the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) officers used live ammunition to disperse the residents, reportedly killing two people in the ensuing melee.
The incident has now put Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja under pressure, with leaders from the region demanding accountability.
Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly strongly condemned the killings, describing them as cruel and unacceptable.
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"The brutal killing of two young men over a land dispute is heartbreaking and unacceptable. To hear that innocent citizens, including the Head Teacher of Tambul Primary School on his way to work, were beaten and injured is beyond painful," he said.
Melly further demanded swift action against the officers involved and called for justice for the victims and their families.
"I condemn, with every ounce of my being, these outrageous actions by the police. No family should ever have to lose their loved ones in such a senseless way. I call upon the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Police Oversight Authority to act swiftly and ensure justice for my people," he added.
Melly also appealed for calm among residents, while pledging to return home from his engagements to stand with the affected families.
"I call upon Wananchi to remain calm and not take any destructive measures. I cannot remain away at such a time of grief. I am cutting short my trip and return home to mourn with the bereaved families, stand with the community, and pursue answers from the relevant authorities," he further said.
On the other hand, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei termed the incident an extrajudicial execution, likening them to past deadly encounters involving security forces.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have learnt the mafia style execution by trigger happy police officers of three people and scores injured in an unprovoked situation in Kimwani area today over a land dispute.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends and Kimwani community and wish quick recovery to the injured. We shall stand together in solidarity," he said.
Cherargei went on to reveal that he had already engaged oversight authorities on the matter, further asking Kanja to transfer all police officers in the area.
"I have engaged the independent oversight policing Authority (IPOA) to immediately apprehend and prosecute the rogue police officers involved with killings today which is a replica of Angata Baragoi killings.
"Furthermore I have urged the Inspector General of Police to immediately transfer all police officers in the area for being complicit in the ongoing dispute," he added.
This comes months after five people were reportedly killed in Angata Barrikoi, Narok County, following violent clashes with police over a land dispute.
The deadly confrontation erupted as locals staged protests against government officials who had arrived to demarcate the piece of land in question.
However, tensions escalated when residents blocked roads and clashed with security forces, forcing the police to respond with force, leading to the fatalities.
In videos seen by Nairobileo.co.ke, locals, including women and children, could be heard screaming as gunshots rang in the air.
Narok’s Deputy Governor Tomalinye Koech confirmed the incident, although they did not release further details about the ongoing investigation.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina expressed his sorrow over the incident, pledging his support to the affected community.
He promised to intervene and ensure that the land, linked to a powerful politician from the region, is not taken away from the local community.
"I am deeply saddened by the reported news of the killings in Angata Barikoi. My heartfelt condolences to all affected. I want to assure you that no one can take your land from you.
"As your Senator, I stand firmly with you in this difficult time. I will visit the area to gain a better understanding of the situation and offer my support. Once again, my sincere condolences," he wrote on X.
