Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has pledged to stand by the residents of Ang’ata Barikoi following a tragic incident in which five people were shot dead.
The victims were killed on April 28, 2025, during demonstrations by locals protesting the government’s move to demarcate a contentious 6,300-acre piece of land in the Kilgoris area of Narok County.
In a statement shared through his X account, Senator Ole Kina expressed his deep sorrow over the killings and extended his condolences to the affected families. He made it clear that he would not stand by and allow the residents to suffer further.
“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, “Ole Kina expressed.
“As your Senator, I stand firmly with you in this difficult time. I will visit the area to gain a better understanding of the situation and offer my support. Once again, my sincere condolences.”
Land dispute
The violent confrontation occurred when residents clashed with government officials who had come to carry out the land demarcation. Tensions in the area had been escalating for some time, with many residents expressing concerns over the disputed land, which they claim has been taken from them.
The residents first took to the streets in protest over the land dispute on March 30, 2025. The land, approximately 6,300 acres, is being claimed by two groups: the Kipsigis community residents and another group, believed to be from the Maasai community.
Over 3,000 Kipsigis residents have been cultivating the land for decades, claiming it as their ancestral property. They assert they hold valid title deeds to the land, passed down through generations. The residents are determined to fight legally to defend their ownership, which they say has been their livelihood for more than fifty years.
Tensions escalated when land surveyors, accompanied by heavy security forces, arrived to conduct a fresh demarcation of the land. Despite the Kipsigis community’s title deeds, they believe the surveyors’ actions indicate an attempt by the rival group, supported by officials in the local government, to seize their land.
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