Top security bosses are set to visit Ang'ata Barikoi area in Narok County to assess the situation following Monday’s clashes that left five people dead.
Five people, among them a teacher, were shot dead after a demonstration over land turned chaotic.
Seven other people were injured and taken to Ang'ata Level III Hospital. Police were also injured in the chaos.
Residents torched vehicles that had ferried government officials to the area for the demarcation exercise.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condoled with the deceased and wished those injured a quick recovery.
He called for calm ahead of
the planned visit by the security bosses.
The security chiefs from Nairobi plan to
discuss the crisis in a bid to find a lasting solution.
Locals have opposed the
planned demarcation of the 6,000-acre piece of land, fearing planned grabbing.
Murkomen said the visit is
necessary to help the government know what to do next.
“We have reinforced security
in the area because the area remains volatile. We reassure none will take their
land. We will protect them and their property.”
“The propaganda that the land will be taken away is wrong. There is no need to attack police officers. Police must restrain themselves as they handle the situation,” he said.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua wants those behind the shooting to be held responsible.
He also demanded to know who ordered the deployment of paramilitary GSU and RDU officers to exercise unlawful, lethal, and bullish police force on innocent Kenyans.
“Who deployed GSU and RDU officers to exercise unlawful, lethal, and bullish police force on innocent Kenyans in Ang'ata? This forceful displacement of population is a crime against humanity, and whoever is culpable must face crimes against humanity,” he said.
He said he is gathering evidence on the issue and will take action soon by among others naming and shaming those responsible for this heinous act.
On his part, Kanu chairman Gideon Moi too condemned the killings.
“It is deeply regrettable that five innocent Kenyans have lost their lives today in Angata Barrikoi, Narok County, following an appalling act of police brutality during a land dispute. Their lives were unjustly cut short by the very officers entrusted with protecting them,” he said.
“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.”
He said 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,” he said.
