Three people have died following a violent family land dispute in the Kaliet area, Narok County, in an incident that shocked residents.
According to eyewitnesses, the tragedy unfolded in the morning when a disagreement over a one-acre piece of land escalated into violence at the homestead of the Rogoi family. A man identified as Victor allegedly attacked his brother using a panga, killing him on the spot.
Moments later, a village elder who had rushed to the scene to help resolve the dispute was also attacked. Witnesses said the elder, identified as Aldon Kosgei, was cut on the head and hand and died from his injuries. Residents said the elder had gone to mediate and had no role in causing or prolonging the dispute.
“In the morning, as we were going on with our day-to-day activities, we heard loud screams from Mzee Rogoi’s homestead. We rushed there and found that Victor had killed his brother and the village elder,” one village elder narrated.
Angered by the killings, residents descended on the suspect and lynched him. He died from injuries sustained during the mob justice.
The bodies of the three deceased persons were later transferred to Longisa Hospital mortuary in Bomet County.
Local elders stated the Rogoi family had a long history of violent land disputes. They noted that a previous conflict within the same family had also resulted in a death after one relative allegedly killed another over land.
“We would like to ask the government to provide extra security because village elders are risking their lives while trying to help families resolve disputes. Aldon Kosgei was not responsible for land and family conflicts, yet he lost his life while trying to help,” an elder stated.
Confirming the incident, the area assistant chief said that the suspect, identified as Victor Chirchir, had killed two people before being lynched by members of the public.
“One of the deceased had deep cuts on the head and the hand. As the administration, we condole with the families and strongly condemn this act in our area,” the assistant chief stated.
He urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to follow proper legal procedures when disputes arise.
“I wish that next time a similar issue happens, the right protocols are followed. There is the law, village elders and the nyumba kumi structure. In case of land disputes, the issue should be reported to village elders or nyumba kumi members so that it can be tabled and resolved peacefully,” he added.
