Former Chief Justice David Maraga. /DAVID MARAGA/X
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condoled the families who lost their kin during Monday’s violent clash between residents of Angata Barrikoi ward and the police in Transmara.
The violent confrontation left five people dead and several others injured, including five security officers.
The clash was sparked by planned demarcation of a contested 6,800-acre parcel of land in the Moyoi area.
The Moyoi land dispute is one of several simmering boundary and land ownership issues in the larger Transmara region.
Calls for impartial adjudication and fair compensation where necessary have dominated discussions on possible permanent solution to the problem.
Maraga said the use of excessive force by the security personnel who had accompanied Ministry of Lands officials during the land adjudication process was in violation of the law.
“The killing and violence against civilians by security forces that we have witnessed in Kilgoris Constituency is yet again another flagrant violation of the constitution,” Maraga said.
“It is important that a speedy independent investigation is undertaken and those responsible for these actions are held to account in line with the constitution. I send my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured,” the former CJ said in a statement on X.
Reports on Tuesday indicated that relative calm had returned in the area, with several leaders having made visits to assess the situation and ease tensions.
Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu, Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia, and top members of the county’s security team visited the area.
Ntutu said the county government will foot the funeral expenses of the deceased and the hospital bills incurred by the injured.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was expected to visit the region on Tuesday to address the security concerns.
Angata Barrikoi residents have long claimed ancestral ownership of the land and are opposed to its demarcation, citing lack of unresolved historical grievances.
Maraga said use of violence against the residents undermines confidence in the security forces and calls to question the entire demarcation process.
“I call for calm as well as a peaceful and just resolution of the land dispute in accordance with the law,” Maraga said.