IG orders probe, transfers over Barrikoi killings
“No one is above the law,” Kanja said firmly
1d agoSTAR REPORTERRealtime
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga / FILEThe Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has directed the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to expedite investigations into the Angata Barrikoi killings.
Five people lost their lives during a violent clash with security officers on Monday.
Five police officers were also injured after being shot with arrows.
The residents were opposed to planned demarcation of 6,800-acre piece of land in Angata Barrikoi at Moyoi area of Kilgoris Constituency, Narok county.
In a letter addressed to the IG, the DPP said police should speed up investigations and forward the file to his office within a week.
“We refer to the above-mentioned matter and media reports regarding the alleged killings of individuals by security personnel during protests over land within Kilogoris, Narok county. Pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution of Kenya, I direct that those investigations be carried out expeditiously,” the DPP said.
“The resultant investigation file should be forwarded to my office not later than seven days from the date hereof for advice and directions.”
The violence erupted after local residents, claiming historical ownership of the land, blocked the main road to prevent officials from the Ministry of Lands from surveying the area.
The protest
quickly escalated into violent clashes with police officers, leading to five deaths of civilians and injuries on both sides.
Officer in charge of Angata Barrikoi Health Centre, Joel Langat, reported that four people were brought in dead, and one succumbed while undergoing treatment, all having sustained gunshot wounds.
In addition to the fatalities, a vehicle belonging to the ministry officials was damaged during the unrest.
The vehicle
was attacked by residents, further intensifying the already tense situation.
IG Kanja pledged that officers found responsible for the deaths of five civilians will face full legal consequences.
While addressing a tense peace meeting at Angata Barrikoi Primary School
on Tuesday, Kanja confirmed that investigations were already underway, with the
Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) also launching a parallel probe.
“No one is above the law,”
Kanja said firmly. “Any officer who acted outside their mandate will be held
personally accountable—regardless of their rank.”
As part of immediate disciplinary actions, Kanja ordered the transfer of the sub-county Criminal Investigations Officer, known only as Too, along with all GSU personnel stationed in the area.
