Tensions remain high in Kibiko, Kajiado West sub-county, following violent clashes between rival groups over the subdivision of 2,800 acres of communal land valued at Ksh100 billion.

One police officer was killed, several civilians were injured, and two motorcycles were burned after the violent clashes that erupted on Christmas Day.

The officer was among several officers injured after they were ambushed by a group of rowdy youth while providing security to surveyors who were leading the subdivision of the 2,800 acres of land.

Several civilians also sustained injuries during the clashes.

One Group Accuses the Other of Dividing Land

One of the injured civilians, Agnes Kimer, sustained chest injuries after being hit by a rubber bullet.

Kimer accused the rival group of illegally leading the subdivision of land where her family has lived for years.

“The bullet hit me as I was trying to rescue children and pleading with the officers not to harm them,” she said.

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Opposing Group Take

However, the opposing faction under the leadership of Moses Munik maintained that it is the legally recognized leadership duly sanctioned by the government to oversee the subdivision process and issue title deeds to legitimate members.

Munik alleged that those opposing the exercise sold their share to outsiders many years ago, but insists that no genuine members will be evicted or denied their allocation.

“We are being fought here, they are saying that people have been killed, but they don’t mention how a vehicle was burnt, a pastor was beaten, and a child was beaten and admitted to the ICU for a month,” he said.

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Police Arrests and Warnings

Seven suspects have been arrested and are currently in police custody, awaiting arraignment in court on Monday, December 29.

The youth, armed with arrows, spears, and other crude weapons, are said to be working in cahoots with a section of local leaders opposed to the land subdivision process.

Security has since been beefed up to ensure the land beaconing exercise continues uninterrupted.

Kajiado County Commander Alex Shikondi has warned individuals fuelling violence for personal gain, saying security agencies agreed to provide protection only after scrutinising documents presented by the faction currently erecting beacons.

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Inspector General Douglas Kanja speaking at past event. PHOTO/pixels