Pressure is mounting on the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to take decisive action against police officers who reportedly shot and killed people over a land dispute in Tinderet, Nandi County, on Monday, September 29.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, in a statement on Monday evening, said he had contacted the Police IG to immediately transfer police officers in the area.
He also disclosed reaching out to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to apprehend and prosecute police officers involved in the shooting incident.
Cherargei accused the area police of being complicit in the handling of the contentious Kimwani land dispute, in which more than 600 people yesterday infiltrated the area in an attempt to evict occupants.
While the area police boss confirmed the death of two people, the Senator disclosed the death of three people during the incident, adding that several people were left injured.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have learnt the mafia-style execution by trigger-happy police officers of three people and scores injured in an unprovoked situation in the Kimwani area today over a land dispute," Cherargei said.
Adding, "I have engaged the IPOA to immediately apprehend and prosecute the rogue police officers involved with killings today, which is a replica of the Angata Baragoi killings."
While condemning the killing of the individuals, Cherargei criticised Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang for failing to resolve the land dispute on time, resulting in the escalation of the dispute.
The Senator, however, noted that he was in constant communication with the National Land Commission (NLC) to fast-track the real ownership of the parcel of land.
"I am in constant communication with the National Land Commission on the subject matter. I urge the great people of Kimwani to remain peaceful and calm as we pursue justice for our people," the lawmaker affirmed.
The incident occurred after more than 600 youth infiltrated the Kimwani land while armed with crude weapons, claiming the land belonged to them and was allegedly grabbed more than four decades ago.
It was during the protests that police officers intervened, fatally shooting the said people, with one dying on the spot, while another lost his life while receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Confirming the incident, Nandi Police Commander Thomas Ototo warned youth against being used by political figures to settle decades-long stalemates.
"Everybody has a right to own pieces of land in this country, so we will not allow land grabbing. I want to appeal to our youth not to be used," Ototo commented.
