What began as a peaceful day in Ngosuani area of Narok South Constituency quickly descended into chaos as two rival groups clashed violently over a contentious land distribution exercise.
The confrontation occurred during the official allocation of a 110-acre parcel of land to over 500 new beneficiaries, in line with a recent court ruling.Tensions flared when a group opposing the land distribution stormed the site just as surveyors began the demarcation process.
Despite the heavy presence of police officers, the dissenting group confronted those recognized as the rightful recipients, resulting in a violent altercation that left at least one person with serious head injuries.
Eyewitnesses described a tense and volatile scene as the fracas unfolded, with members of both groups hurling insults and projectiles at each other. Police officers struggled to contain the chaos as the situation escalated rapidly.
The more than 500 beneficiaries defended their right to the land, saying their claims were validated by a recent court ruling that settled the long-standing ownership dispute. “We are here lawfully. The court gave us the green light to occupy this land,” said one of the beneficiaries.
However, the rival group rejected the legitimacy of the ruling, claiming that their historical claims to the land had been ignored.
As calm was tentatively restored, community members called for urgent intervention by the national government to prevent further bloodshed. “If this issue is not resolved urgently, we fear more violence will erupt. We are appealing to the government to step in,” said a local elder.
The Narok South land dispute is the latest in a series of similar clashes that continue to highlight the fragile nature of land ownership and historical grievances in parts of Kenya. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
