Senators demand justice as silence persists over Narok killings

Senators have sharply criticised the Ministry of Interior for remaining silent and failing to act following the killing of five civilians during protests over a land dispute in Ang’ata Barikoi, Narok County, on April 28.

During a Senate session on Thursday, lawmakers expressed anger and disappointment over the lack of communication or accountability from both the police and the ministry, despite urgent appeals from the affected community.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said residents had made emotional pleas for answers, but none have been provided.

"There were very passionate appeals from the community, yet to date, the questions raised have not been answered. I have not heard any communication from the police leadership or the ministry following that meeting," he said.

He asked the Senate’s National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations Committee to investigate the killings, saying the conflict was deeply rooted in land ownership issues.

"The elephant in the room is the question of the ownership of the land. I am hoping that during that interaction with the committee, we will at least be told the truth about the people behind it and the action that has been taken in order to restore those who lost loved ones during that incident," Sifuna added.

He also described how Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja remained in his helicopter for nearly an hour during a meeting in the area because local leaders were late.

"I have referenced this incident because it was the first time I saw the Inspector General being summoned by the local leadership. When he arrived, he could not even disembark from his aircraft until the local leaders were present," Sifuna said.

"I witnessed him sit in that chopper for almost an hour, unable to access the ongoing meeting."

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also condemned the government’s response and sent condolences to the victims’ families.

"We continue to send our deepest condolences to the people of Ang'ata Barikoi. It is sad that after they are buried, their issues have been forgotten. You even saw the disturbing incident where people were killed. A few others were also killed in Tondonyang," he said.

"It is very unfortunate that in this country, the DCI is only efficient when pursuing politically expedient cases instead of going after actual criminals."

He said the killings were linked to land grabbing and demanded full disclosure.

"The issue of Ang'ata Barikoi is much deeper than it appears. It involves the protection of land grabbers. We need to be told who is behind these killings. This was an open shooting. How do you open fire on unarmed, peaceful citizens who are protesting against land grabbing?" said Cherargei.

"Even IPOA has not arrested anyone to date, despite the use of live bullets and postmortems having been conducted. We must be told what the government is doing."

Cherargei also attacked Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for suggesting the protesters wanted to attack police officers.

"The Ministry of Interior issued a bold statement claiming that the people wanted to attack the police. How can you attack the police with your bare hands? Transferring incompetence to the Ministry of Interior is dangerous because it leads to loss of life. When roads stall, they can be fixed at a later date," he said.

"He has even sponsored the grabbing of the Masalani land in Tana River. How do you go and grab land? This minister must be called out. Murkomen must and should resign."

In an earlier statement, Murkomen condemned the clashes and said five civilians were confirmed dead.

"This is a very sad occurrence for us in the national security team because we must make sure that lives are protected. Land issues can easily be resolved peacefully; it should not lead to any loss of life," he said.

He also revealed that five police officers were injured in the protests, including one critically, when residents blocked a road to stop land officials from surveying.

Leaders in Narok have urged the county commissioner, Kipkech Lotiatia, to ensure officers involved in the shootings are held accountable.

At the funeral of Charles Langat, the last of the five victims to be buried, Emurua Dikir MP Johanna Ng’eno called for swift justice.

"We want the government to arrest all the officers involved in the shooting, and they should also trace the weapon used to kill Langat. That is not too much to ask, we are Kenyan citizens and we have the right to life," he said.

Narok Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech stressed the importance of unity and warned against land conflicts.

"We cannot accept the police to kill our people in Ang'ata, and we appreciate that the police have agreed they will never do that again. We are sharing one country, one flag, but we will not share our land. You don’t have any right to own our land," she said.

Kilgoris Municipal Chairperson Michael ole Maito urged the government to pursue suspects in this case with the same seriousness shown in the murder probe of Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were.

Inspector General Kanja has promised firm action against officers who used excessive force during the deadly clash.