Inspector General (IG) of Police Douglas Kanja is facing mounting pressure to act against officers accused of fatally shooting civilians during a violent land dispute in Kimwani, Tinderet Sub-County, Nandi, on Monday, September 29, 2025.

The incident, which has sparked outrage, left at least two people dead and several others injured.

However, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei claimed the death toll stood at three, blaming the police for what he described as an “unprovoked execution.”

“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,” said Cherargei in a strongly worded statement on Monday evening.

The Senator said he had contacted the police chief to immediately transfer officers stationed in the area and disclosed that he had reached out to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

Dispute Over Kimwani Land

According to reports, the chaos erupted when more than 600 individuals attempted to evict occupants from the disputed land.

Police intervened to contain the confrontation, but their response has now been questioned after the loss of lives.

Cherargei accused local police officers of being complicit in mishandling the decades-old Kimwani land conflict.

He likened the killings to the 2012 Angata Baragoi massacre, saying justice must be delivered.

“I have engaged IPOA to immediately apprehend and prosecute the rogue police officers involved with the killings today, which is a replica of the Angata Baragoi killings,” Cherargei asserted.

Political Leaders Trade Blame

The Senator also criticised Nandi Governor Stephen Sang for failing to resolve the dispute in time, arguing that the county’s inaction had contributed to Monday’s escalation.

He noted that he was in contact with the National Land Commission (NLC) to establish the rightful ownership of the contested land, urging residents to remain calm.

“I urge the great people of Kimwani to remain peaceful and calm as we pursue justice for our people,” said Cherargei.

Police Response

Nandi County Police Commander Thomas Ototo confirmed the deaths of two individuals but cautioned the youth against being manipulated by politicians to settle old land rows.

“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 warned.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has yet to issue a statement, but public pressure is growing on both IPOA and IG Kanja to ensure accountability in the deadly incident.

IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan. PHOTO/ Citizen Digital.