A piece of land measuring 6,500 acres in Ang’ata Barikoi, Kilgoris, has become the centre of a major dispute, causing tension and becoming a hot topic among politicians. This dispute has led to fears that the land may be taken away from the local community.
The land is believed to belong to the Maasai community and the Kipsigis Community. Many people say their ancestors lived there long before land titles or government documents existed.
The communities see this land as their heritage and a home that has been passed down through generations.
However, there have been complaints about unfair land deals that could see the community lose part of their land. Some politicians have been accused of grabbing the land without properly informing or compensating the community.
The dispute is also being fueled by a lack of transparency. The government has not clearly explained who owns the land or how it was acquired.
Residents are also worried that they may be removed from the land, lose their homes, and be left without any support.
Narok County Senator Ledama Olekina, known for his hard stance on communal land, explained why he opposes the plans to divide a disputed 6,500-acre piece of land in Ang’ata Barikoi, Kilgoris.
In his statement, Ledama explained this amid the tensions in the area following clashes that claimed five lives on April 28.
According to Ledama, the land which belongs to the Siria-Maasai community was set aside for future generations and must be protected.
In his statement, he warned that any effort to divide the land could lead to more conflict and should be stopped immediately.
“The land saga in Ang’ata Barikoi is troubling. The 6,500 acres reserved by the Siria-Maasai Community for future generations are under threat,” he said.
Ledama said that the court ruling allowed 1,500 acres of the land to be given to the Kipsigis of Ang'ata Barikoi, while the remaining 5,000 acres must be preserved for future generations.
“The court’s consent to allocate 1,500 acres should go to the Kipsigis of Ang’ata Barikoi, while the remaining 5,000 acres must be preserved for future generations of the Siria-Maasai. No subdivision of this land should be allowed, regardless of who you are,” Ledama stated.
