In the wake of a deadly protest that claimed five lives in Trans Mara, Narok County, top security officials in the region were transferred on Tuesday in a major shake-up ordered by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
The move follows the killing of five protesters, allegedly by police officers, during a demonstration over a disputed 6,800-acre piece of land. The victims were part of a larger group protesting what they termed as unlawful land occupation and biased security intervention.
Among those transferred is Deputy County Commissioner Abdihakim Jubat, who locals have accused of taking sides in the ongoing land dispute. His removal, along with other senior officers, came shortly after a high-stakes security meeting chaired by the Inspector General, Tuesday.
Speaking after the meeting, the Inspector General vowed accountability and swift action, stating, “Anyone who has been mentioned for having commited a criminal offence must carry their own cross.”
Human rights groups have condemned the killings and called for an independent investigation into the incident.
On Monday, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen vowed legal action against anybody who will be found to have fanned the violence.
Violence erupted over a piece of land. Local residents, claiming historical ownership of the land, blocked the main road to prevent land officials from surveying the area.
The protest quickly escalated into violent clashes with police officers, leading to injuries on both sides.
Reports suggest that the land in question belongs to a powerful politician from the region as residents claim historical ownership of the land.
