Schools are yet to reopen in Angata Barrikoi, Narok County, amid fear and uncertainty following a land dispute where police opened fire on residents, leaving seven people dead yesterday, April 28.
Parents fled with their children to safer locations, with teachers keeping off the institutions.
“The environment is not safe for learning. Until peace is restored, we cannot risk the lives of our pupils,” said Mary Kirui, a parent in the area.
Chaos broke out when a group of residents confronted surveyors, and police officers deployed to oversee a contentious land demarcation.
Police fired live rounds to disperse the crowd, hitting at least seven civilians, a situation that sparked outrage among locals and disrupted learning in the volatile area.
“People were unarmed and only demanded answers about the land demarcation. The police responded with gunfire,” said Annah Kigen, a community elder.
The victims were rushed to various hospitals in the region, with reports indicating several are in critical condition.
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Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ngeno toured the area and condemned the excessive use of force, demanding accountability from the Interior Ministry.
“This was an act of brutality. We cannot tolerate police shooting at innocent people,” said Ngeno. “The officers involved must face disciplinary action, and justice must be served.”
Ngeno further demanded an immediate halt to all land-related activities in the area until an amicable resolution is reached, stating that the rights of residents must fully be respected.
Church leaders from the area, for their part, urged the government to deploy conflict mediators and halt any further provocation, stating that resolving land issues through force will only worsen the situation.
Meanwhile, local human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the shooting, terming it a gross violation of civil rights.
By Kimutai Langat
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