Fire engulfs acres of sugarcane plantation in Angata Barrikoi

A section of the sugar plantation on fire in Angata Barrikoi./HANDOUT

A large sugarcane plantation in Angata Barrikoi, Transmara South Sub-county, has been set on fire by unknown individuals, raising fresh concerns in an area already gripped by tension and tragedy.

The fire, which engulfed an undisclosed number of acres, broke out under unclear circumstances and has left farmers counting heavy losses.

There was little to salvage, witnesses said.

Multi-agency teams are investigating the incident as emergency teams responded to the scene in efforts to contain the spread of the fire.

A section of the sugar plantation on fire in Angata Barrikoi./HANDOUT

The alarming incident follows closely on the heels of deadly unrest in the region.

This comes days after six people were killed and others injured following a confrontation with police in the area over a disputed piece of land.

That confrontation escalated longstanding tensions over ownership and boundaries, issues that have plagued the area for years.

Transmara South has seen similar flare-ups in the past, where land disputes, political rivalries, and economic pressures collide, often with devastating consequences.

With the latest destruction of valuable crops, community leaders are now calling for urgent dialogue and lasting solutions to prevent further loss of life and livelihood.

As investigations continue, residents remain on edge, hoping for justice—and peace—in a region struggling to heal.

Tension continued to grow in the area amid fresh claims and counterclaims on the disputed 6,000-piece piece of land.

At least six people were killed last week and 15 others injured in a clash between locals and police.

The incident is under investigation. An autopsy was conducted on five of the bodies and confirmed they died from gunshot wounds.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Mulele Ingonga, gave police seven days to investigate the killing of the six people.

He told police to submit the probe file in seven days for his perusal.

“Pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution of Kenya, I direct those investigations be carried out expeditiously.The resultant investigation file should be forwarded to my office not later than seven (7) days from the date hereof for advice and directions,” he said in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja dated April 30, 2025.

Kanja, on Tuesday, April 29, vowed to take decisive action against his juniors, accused of using excessive force during a violent clash with protesting residents.

Kanja apologised for the police's heavy-handed response and ordered the immediate transfer of the area DCI commander and General Service Unit officers linked to the incident.

He listened to calls for a speedy resolution to a longstanding land dispute that sparked the deadly demonstrations, where so far 15 people, including five police officers, are recovering from injuries.

He was accompanied by his deputy, Eliud Lagat, and DCI boss Mohamed Amin.

Leaders at the meeting demanded a thorough probe into the incident and a lasting solution to the land dispute.

The land, spanning over 6,000 acres, is now the subject of a protracted court battle with locals claiming to have ownership documents.

This is after the land was divided as the current group opposed to planned demarcation.