A tragic incident on the Narok-Nairobi highway escalated into violent confrontations on Friday after a speeding vehicle struck and killed 25 sheep at Duka Moja Trading Centre in Narok County. The incident, which occurred during a routine crossing by herders, quickly spiraled into chaos as 2,000 protesters took to the streets demanding Sh3 million compensation for their losses.
The protests, marked by road barricades and confrontations, severely disrupted traffic on the busy highway, leading to a 10-kilometre-long traffic snarl-up. When police officers were dispatched to calm the situation, tensions heightened, culminating in violent clashes that left nine officers injured. Tragically, two individuals were also reported dead during the fracas, further exacerbating the situation.
Outgoing National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango described the scene as volatile. Protesters armed with traditional weapons resisted efforts to restore order, forcing police to use tear gas and gunfire to disperse the crowd. The officers’ attempts to manage the situation were thwarted when the agitated group overpowered them, causing severe injuries to some officers and damage to police property, including vehicles from Nairegia Enkare and Ntulele police stations.
Two of the most critically injured officers, including one whose hand was severed by a Maasai sword, were airlifted to Nairobi for advanced medical care. The firearm stolen from one of the injured officers was later recovered, though its magazine remained missing.
Compounding the protesters’ anger was the police’s disposal of the sheep carcasses in a nearby forest instead of retaining them as evidence. This act reignited tensions in the afternoon, further challenging efforts to restore calm.
Narok East Member of Parliament Lemanken Aramat intervened, appealing for dialogue and urging residents to embrace peaceful means of conflict resolution. Meanwhile, National Police Service Commission (NPSC) Chairman Eliud Kinuthia condemned the attack on law enforcement officers, terming it a grave violation of the rule of law.
“No situation justifies harming security officers responding to assist the community. Such actions undermine peace and national security,” Kinuthia stated. He emphasized that police are authorized to use force only when necessary to protect lives and property.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged the public to cooperate and avoid any acts that jeopardize peace and security in the area. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts, especially in high-stakes situations involving livelihoods and safety.
