Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu has issued a strong ultimatum to the national government, demanding the immediate transfer of 194 police officers stationed in Suswa. This follows violent clashes on January 17, 2025, which left two people dead after police intervened in a dispute sparked by a private vehicle running over and killing 36 goats and sheep belonging to local herders.
Speaking at Duka Moja on Thursday, Governor Ole Ntutu, flanked by other local leaders, condemned the decision by the Labour Court to temporarily halt the transfers pending the outcome of a case. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasizing that the community no longer trusted the officers involved in the incident.
“There is no way we can conduct a fair investigation when the officers who were involved in these tragic events are still in the area,” said Governor Ole Ntutu. “As the Governor of this region, I demand that all the officers who have been transferred leave immediately.”
The tragic incident on January 17 occurred a day after the collision involving the private vehicle, which led to the loss of the livestock. Tensions escalated when police intervention resulted in violent confrontations, further inflaming the community. Two people lost their lives, while a policeman sustained serious injuries, losing his hand in the chaos. The officer remains in a Nairobi hospital as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) continues with investigations into the event.
In the aftermath, the National Police Service, along with the Inspector General, ordered mass transfers of officers implicated in the protests. However, the Labour Court intervened on Tuesday, issuing a temporary halt on the transfers. The court’s decision followed a petition by activist Memba Ocharo, who, through lawyer Danstan Omari, challenged the legality of the transfers. Ocharo argued that the transfers were carried out abruptly and without adequate consideration for the affected officers’ medical conditions, family situations, or the relocation logistics.
The petition also raised concerns about the impact on the officers’ families, including the disruption of their children’s education and the financial strain caused by the lack of relocation allowances. Ocharo’s challenge seeks to ensure that future transfers adhere to the law, protecting the rights of the officers while maintaining order within the police service.
As tensions remain high in Narok, Ole Ntutu and other local leaders are urging the government to act swiftly, ensuring that justice is served and the community’s trust in law enforcement is restored.
