According to witnesses, the chaos started when more than 600 people stormed the disputed land, claiming ownership.
The group, some armed with crude weapons, attempted to evict current occupants, insisting that the land was grabbed decades ago. Police officers were quickly deployed to the scene, but what began as an attempt to restore order ended in tragedy.
Reports from the ground indicate that at least two people were killed, with one dying on the spot and another passing away while receiving treatment in hospital.
Several others were injured. Some local leaders, however, claim the death toll could be higher.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei strongly condemned the killings. In a statement, he accused the officers of using excessive force, describing the incident as a “mafia-style execution.”
He revealed that he had already contacted Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to transfer officers from the area and called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take immediate action.
“I have engaged IPOA to apprehend and prosecute the rogue police officers involved in today’s killings. Such incidents remind us of past tragedies that must never be repeated,” Cherargei said.
The Senator also criticized Nandi Governor Stephen Sang for failing to resolve the long-running land dispute before it escalated into violence.
He noted that he was in talks with the National Land Commission (NLC) to fast-track investigations into the rightful ownership of the land.
Police in the county defended their actions, insisting they were responding to a dangerous situation. Nandi Police Commander Thomas Ototo urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used by political figures to advance private interests.
“Everybody has a right to own land in this country. We will not allow grabbing. I appeal to the youth not to be misled or used to fuel violence,” Ototo said.
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