Two Killed in Land Clashes
Tensions are running high along the Tinderet-Chemelil border after police fatally shot two young men during violent clashes over a long-standing land dispute between local residents and private landowners.
The conflict broke out on Monday morning when hundreds of armed youths surged onto a contested piece of land in Kimwani, which is believed to cover several hundred acres. The protesters are calling for the removal of families who have lived on the land for over fifty years, arguing that it was wrongfully taken during the presidency of the late Daniel arap Moi.
According to locals, the land was first allocated to the now-defunct Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) before later being handed to senior security officials, sparking long-standing resentment in the community.
Police reported that officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit had to use live ammunition to break up the protests, which had turned into running clashes that lasted for almost half a day. Tragically, two men, aged between 24 and 30, lost their lives in the shooting, and several others were injured by gunfire, though the exact number remains unconfirmed.
Nandi County Police Commander Thomas Ototo confirmed the incident, saying security agencies were working to restore calm. “Our priority is to secure the area and prevent further loss of life,” he told Citizen TV in a phone interview.
Despite the deadly confrontation, many residents have expressed a desire for a peaceful resolution. “We are asking our leaders to intervene.
This is our ancestral land, and we want justice, not bloodshed,” said Judy Chepchir, a resident of Chebonet.
Others echoed similar concerns, accusing successive governments of historical land injustices.
“Our land was taken away in the 1960s after independence. First it went to ADC, then it was later allocated to top military officers. We want it returned to us,” said Simon Terer, a resident of Kimwani.
Community members say they have been displaced to less fertile areas, where even their livestock struggles to survive.
“We deserve to live where we have always belonged, not in the barren hills where even the grass can’t feed our cows,” lamented Mathew Kiplelach, another resident.
Two Killed in Land Clashes
