Nakuru court has rejected a petition by the DCI to detain Lolgorian MCA Michael Seme and two co-accused for 21 days following deadly clashes in Transmara.

Alongside Peter Kiplangat and Neke Siteti, a former MCA candidate, Seme was arrested in connection with violence that resulted in eight deaths and the displacement of over 200 families.

In his ruling, Senior Principal Magistrate Vincent Adet dismissed the application, characterizing the prosecution’s arguments as speculative.

Nakuru Senior Principal Magistrate

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While the DCI raised concerns that the suspects’ local influence could lead to witness interference, Magistrate Adet maintained that investigations into charges of murder, arson, and possession of illegal firearms could proceed while the suspects were free.

“The applicant has not demonstrated compelling reasons to warrant the continued detention of the respondents for 21 days as sought. The investigative steps outlined can be undertaken while the respondents are out on bond subject to conditions, accordingly the application is dismissed”,  Magistrate Adet said.

The trio was granted release on a bond of Ksh 500,000 or a cash bail of Ksh 200,000.

Imposition of a 30-day curfew

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This legal development follows Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s recent declaration of the region as a “disturbed area,” which included the imposition of a 30-day curfew.

The matter will return to court on February 4, 2026.

In a statement on Saturday December, 20, 2025, the Kenya Red Cross noted that 253 households were burnt down, forcing families to seek shelter in schools, dispensaries, and open areas, with some sleeping under trees.

“Children, women, and persons with disabilities are the most affected, with food stores destroyed by fire,” the statement noted.

The clashes primarily occur along the borders of Narok County (often involving the Trans Mara West and Trans Mara South sub-counties).

This area is a fertile belt where the ancestral lands of the Maasai and Kipsigis overlap.

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Remains of burnt infrastructure that was torched during the ongoing tribal clashes in Angata Barikkoi, Narok County. Photo|@KenyaRedCross/X