Senior police officials, including the outgoing Director of Police Operations William Yiamboi and Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Jasper Nyauma Ombati, visited Narok County following a violent clash between police officers and a local mob. The incident, which unfolded on January 17, 2025, left two civilians dead and eight police officers injured, with one officer suffering severe injuries, including the loss of a hand.
The violence was triggered by a road accident along the Narok-Maimahiu Highway, where a vehicle struck and killed 25 sheep belonging to local herders. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, and the herders and their supporters responded by blocking the highway at Duka Moja Trading Centre. The protestors demanded compensation for the lost sheep, specifically asking for Sh3 million in damages.
The situation escalated when police attempted to clear the roadblock. As tensions rose, the crowd of approximately 2,000 people became increasingly violent, leading officers to use tear gas and fire blanks in a bid to disperse the protesters. Despite these efforts, the situation intensified, with the crowd overpowering the officers, forcing them to retreat.
In the chaos, police lost a firearm, which was later recovered without its magazine. The officers involved in the clash were left with serious injuries, and two of them were airlifted to Nairobi for treatment. One of the officers had his hand severed during the melee, allegedly by a Maasai sword. Police vehicles, including those from the Nairegia Enkare and Ntulele police stations, were also damaged.
Local leaders, including Member of Parliament Ken Aramat, convened with police officials at the Duka Moja Trading Centre to discuss the incident and prevent future clashes. They focused on improving enforcement of traffic regulations, particularly in accidents involving animals. Discussions also emphasized the importance of not blocking roads during such incidents and the need for heightened police patrols to prevent further disruptions.
The situation worsened in the afternoon when locals learned that the police had disposed of the sheep carcasses in the forest, instead of taking them to the station for evidence collection. This action deepened the rift between the community and the authorities, leading to even more anger and frustration.
Despite efforts to resolve the issue, the clash in Narok underscores the tension that can arise between local communities and law enforcement, especially in the face of perceived injustice or mishandling of public grievances. The police continue to call for restraint, urging locals not to take the law into their own hands.
