Narok County Senator Ledama Olekina has condemned the move to subdivide the disputed 6,300-acre land in Ang’ata Barikoi, Kilgoris, amid rising tension and deadly violence that claimed five lives on Monday, April 28, 2025.
In a statement shared via his official X account on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Senator Olekina said the land, which the Siria-Maasai community had reserved for future generations, was now under threat.
He cautioned against any attempt to divide the land, stressing that 5,000 acres must remain untouched.
“The land saga in Ang’ata Barikoi is troubling. The 6,500 acres reserved by the Siria-Maasai Community for future generations are under threat. The court’s consent to allocate 1,500 acres should go to the Kipsigis of Ang’ata Barikoi, while the remaining 5,000 acres must be preserved for future generations of the Siria-Maasai,” Ole Kina stated.
Adding;
“No subdivision of this land should be allowed, regardless of who you are.”
The senator’s remarks came just a day after violence erupted during a protest against land demarcation. Clashes between residents and government officials escalated, leading to the fatal shooting of five people.
The residents were opposing the government’s move to mark boundaries on the land, which is claimed by both the Kipsigis and Maasai communities.
Senator Olekina expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and sent condolences to the affected families. He pledged to stand by the residents and called for justice.
“I am deeply saddened by the reported news of the killings in Ang’ata Barikoi. My heartfelt condolences to all affected. I want to assure you that no one can take your land from you,” he said, adding that he would visit the area to better understand the situation and show support.
The land dispute, which dates back decades, has become increasingly volatile. Over 3,000 members of the Kipsigis community have lived and farmed on the land for more than fifty years.
They say they have valid title deeds, inherited through generations, and believe their ownership is legitimate. They argue that their livelihoods are now at risk due to the recent actions by government officials.
Tensions reached a boiling point when land surveyors, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, arrived to carry out a new demarcation of the land. The Kipsigis community saw this as a move backed by rival groups to take their land.
IG Kanja in Barikoi
In response to the tragic events, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja visited the area on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. He acknowledged the excessive use of force by the police and issued an apology.
He also ordered the immediate transfer of the area’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officer and General Service Unit officers involved in the operation.
Local leaders have since demanded accountability and a peaceful resolution. Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno criticised how the security operation was carried out, questioning why local security chiefs were unaware of the mission.
“Nani aliwaambia nyinyi mtume askari kupiga sisi? The county commissioner and county commander were not aware of any operation here. How do you order such an operation of that magnitude without even informing the county commander?” Ng’eno asked.
He urged for an out-of-court settlement, calling on both the Maasai and Kipsigis communities to pursue dialogue and peaceful coexistence instead of conflict.