Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on residents of Narok County to resolve land disputes peacefully and without resorting to violence.
Speaking ahead of the Jukwaa la Usalama Town Hall meeting in Narok, Murkomen expressed concern over the rising number of violent clashes linked to land ownership in the region, which have already resulted in injuries and loss of lives, including among security personnel.
“Even as we wait for settlement through court processes and community engagement, we encourage locals to take measures that resolve land issues amicably,” he said.
Murkomen noted that many of the conflicts are rooted in historical grievances, with ancestral claims predating formal land registration.
He acknowledged that the increasing value of land in the
county has fueled tensions, making disputes even more volatile.
“We are glad that calm has been restored in most parts of the county where there have been land disputes,” the CS said.
“However, the matter is still alive. In the security sector, we do not manage land — but any fight over resources quickly becomes a security issue.”
He also noted that several police officers have been injured while responding to clashes, highlighting the high stakes and volatility of the disputes.
At the center of current tensions is a 6,500-acre parcel of land in Ang’ata Barikoi, Kilgoris, which has become the focus of a fierce dispute involving the Maasai and Kipsigis communities.
Many residents assert that their ancestors occupied the land long before the issuance of title deeds, and there are growing fears that the land could be lost due to allegedly unfair deals and political interference.
Community members have accused some politicians of attempting to grab the land, without due process or compensation, fueling anger and mistrust.
Murkomen emphasised the role of county security teams, who are being trained to facilitate community dialogues, barazas, and mediations aimed at restoring trust and preventing further escalation.
“We are not just responding to conflict. We are actively working to bring communities together, to talk, to listen, and to find solutions that protect everyone’s rights,” he said.
The Interior Ministry pledged continued support for peace-building efforts in Narok and other counties experiencing similar tensions, urging all political leaders to act responsibly and avoid inflaming the situation for personal or political gain.
Narok County, rich in culture and land resources, has long been the scene of land-related disputes, often rooted in colonial-era land policies and complicated by modern political dynamics.
