Cat-and-mouse chase after police cancel Kiambu women's group AGM

The National Police Service (NPS) has cancelled the planned Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Kiambu-based Lari Nyakinywa Women's Group, scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, in Gilgil, Nakuru County, citing security concerns.

The meeting, initially cleared by the police, was called off after intelligence reports revealed potential violent clashes between the group and current settlers on the land that was to host the AGM.

“The National Police Service takes cognizance of the notification earlier issued by the Lazi Nyakinywa Womens Group based in Kiambu County, regarding their planned Annual General Meeting to be held on January 29, 2025 within the land in Gilgil Constituency, Nakuru County,” IG Douglas Kanja said in a statement sent by NPS Spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango on Wednesday.

“Whereas the same meeting was initially cleared by police, we later received intelligence that the current settlers on the land were going to clash with the group. Consequently, the meeting was cancelled on security grounds, and notice for cancellation issued to Lari Nyakinywa Chairman to notify the members.”

Despite the AGM’s cancellation, IG Kanja noted that several members of the women’s group defied the police order and proceeded towards the venue. They were however intercepted by officers in Gilgil.

“The intelligence we received yesterday revealed that the group had mobilized themselves to proceed with the meeting which prompted us to take necessary action to prevent them from travelling to Gilgil,” Kanja said.

“The group however defied the police advice and they have been intercepted by police at Gilgil Junction. The Regional Police Commander Rift Valley is on the ground engaging with the Group at Gilgil Junction to address the standoff amicably.”

Further, IG Kanja urged members of the Lazi Nyakinywa Women's Group to comply with police instructions and disperse peacefully as authorities continue to address the underlying land dispute.

“In the meantime, we are appealing to members of the Lan Nyakinywa Women's Group to comply with the Police advice and disperse peaceably from Gilgil even as other relevant Government departments strive to find a lasting solution to the land issue,” he said.