Angata Barikoi residents stage protest over police brutality after 9 people killed

Residents of Angata Barikoi on Friday paralysed business operations as they took to the streets to demand the immediate transfer of the area Deputy County Commissioner Abdihakim Jubat, following cases of police brutality that have allegedly led to at least nine deaths in Angata and Angama.

The residents say the crimes committed in Angata are taking a toll on many families.

Friday’s peaceful protest brought together widows, youth and children who say they have borne the brunt of police brutality after losing their loved ones.

"Hatutanyamaza watoto wetu wakiuliwa kama kuku Angata, tunataka amani na tunataka dunia iskie kilio chetu,” said Everline Soi, a victim of police brutality.

Another resident, Bismark Cheruiyot, said, "We, the sovereign people of Kenya, Angata Barikoi, people lost lives in the hands of people who were supposed to protect lives. Despite DCC's presence, Angata residents demand full protection of lives."

They are calling on international human rights groups to take up the matter before the situation gets out of control, as scores continue to receive medical attention at Lolgorian hospital, where three were shot dead in Transmara South in an ongoing land row.

They demanded the immediate transfer of the area Deputy Commissioner for allegedly failing to protect them.

"We, as a community, want Jubat to be charged. These are human rights violations. The problems here are suitable even for ICC, and yet the DCC is just seated in Lolgorian,” former Angata MCA Gabriel Mibei added.

They said they would escalate their demonstrations further next week.

"In fact, we are going to rally behind everybody and march to Lolgorian to smoke him out,” Mibei noted.

This comes as seven people who were rushed to Lolgorian hospital after deadly clashes between police and youth at Lolkuruk continue to receive medical attention. The violence led to the death of three young men over a land tussle.

Senior security officials in Narok are yet to comment on the recent incidents in Transmara South.