Gachagua vows to name leaders behind deadly Narok land clashes
Gachagua declared that he is currently gathering evidence and intends to reveal the identities of those involved.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern warning, stating that he will soon name individuals he believes are responsible for the deadly violence that erupted in Ang’ata Barikoi, Narok County, on Monday.
The clashes between members of the community and the police claimed five lives and left several others injured.
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In a statement, Gachagua described the events as crimes against humanity and condemned the use of lethal force against civilians.
“This forceful displacement of the population is a crime against humanity, and whoever is culpable must face justice for it,” he said.
Gachagua declared that he is currently gathering evidence and intends to reveal the identities of those involved.
“I am collecting evidence and information on this matter, and we will name and shame those responsible for this heinous act,” he added.
He questioned the justification for the actions taken by the security forces, criticising the use of force on unarmed residents.
“Who gave shoot-to-kill orders and sanctioned archaic brutality against women, children, and innocent civilians? Who deployed the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Rapid Deployment Unit
(RDU) officers to exercise unlawful, lethal, and brutal police force on innocent Kenyans in Ang’ata?” he asked.
Gachagua expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident. “My heart goes out to the families of the five innocent people who were shot dead, and the several others who were injured in Ang’ata Barikoi over the 6,000-acre piece of land, which rightfully belongs to citizens who have occupied it for several decades.”
He also accused unnamed leaders of greed and exploitation. “What kind of insatiable appetite is this — by a section of leaders — for the primitive accumulation of grabbed land and wealth? How far can our nation sink?”
The violence reportedly erupted after residents, who claim to have lived on the disputed land for generations, staged protests against a planned land survey. They blocked the main road in an attempt to prevent land officials from accessing the area.
The standoff quickly escalated, prompting a police deployment to quell the protests.
Confrontations broke out between officers and members of the community, resulting in injuries on both sides. Several vehicles belonging to the police and land authorities were set ablaze during the chaos.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, in a separate statement, condemned the violence and promised that the government would take firm action.
He confirmed that calm had been restored to the area but emphasised that investigations would continue.
“Calm has been restored, but we will ensure those who incited the violence are brought to justice. We will not relent, regardless of the position one holds,” Murkomen said.
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