Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to expose the individuals he claims were responsible for the violence that erupted on Monday in Ang’ata Barikoi, Narok County. The clashes between police and local residents left at least five people dead and several others injured.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday night, Gachagua condemned the events, labeling them as crimes against humanity. He pledged to gather evidence and “name and shame” those he believes orchestrated the chaos.
“This forceful displacement of population is a crime against humanity, and whoever is culpable must face the consequences. I am gathering information on this matter,” Gachagua declared.
He raised questions about the use of deadly force, criticizing the decision to deploy security units like the GSU and RDU, which he said unleashed brutality on innocent women, children, and civilians. Gachagua accused certain leaders of fueling the violence over a 6,000-acre piece of land that locals claim to have occupied for decades.
“What kind of insatiable appetite is this for the primitive accumulation of grabbed land and wealth?” he posed, mourning the five lives lost and decrying the injuries inflicted on many others.
The violence reportedly began after locals blocked a main road to prevent land officials from surveying the disputed area, escalating into violent confrontations with police. During the skirmishes, several police and land officials’ vehicles were set ablaze.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has promised swift legal action against those found culpable of fanning the violence. Speaking after calm was restored in the region, Murkomen stressed that justice would be served irrespective of the status of those involved.
“We will ensure those who incited the violence are brought to justice. It will not matter the position one is holding,” Murkomen stated firmly.
The tragic events in Narok highlight the ongoing tension surrounding land disputes in Kenya, a deeply sensitive issue that continues to provoke conflict, displacement, and loss of life. As investigations proceed, the country awaits the next steps from both Gachagua and the government.
