Court halts transfer of police officers over confrontation with herders in Narok

This follows a petition filed by activist Memba Ocharo, who, through lawyer Danstan Omari, is challenging the legality of the transfers.

Ocharo seeks to have the court revoke what he describes as abrupt and punitive transfers that were executed in violation of the Service Standing Orders. Justice Nduma Nderi is presiding over the case.

According to court documents, on January 16, 2025, a non-injury accident along the Narok-Mai Mahiu highway resulted in the death of 25 sheep.

The incident sparked protests from the local community, who barricaded the highway and demanded compensation for the loss.

When officers from Narok East Sub-County Command attempted to disperse the protesters, confrontations ensued, leading to the use of tear gas and blank ammunition. 

During the altercation, several officers sustained serious injuries.

Notable cases include PC Isaya Kagiri, whose left hand was severed and who suffered a deep head wound, and Inspector Sarah Wavinya, who sustained a fractured left leg.

Others injured include PC Erickson Koech (hip joint injury), PC Samuel Kiplagat (ear injury), Cpl Peris Nchore (facial injury), MP Charles Kirimi (head injury), and Cpl Dr. Kibet Mutai (undisclosed injuries).

Following the incident, the National Police Service and the Inspector General issued mass transfer orders targeting officers involved in the protests. Ocharo argues that these transfers were punitive, abrupt, and failed to comply with standing regulations. 

“The affected officers, many of whom were still recovering from injuries, were not given adequate notice, facilitation, or consideration of their medical and family situations,” read the court papers.

The transfers reportedly disrupted the education of the officers' children, with some forced to drop out of school.

Ocharo asserts that the officers were not provided with relocation allowances, resulting in significant financial and logistical challenges. The case seeks to safeguard the rights of the officers and ensure adherence to the law in future transfer decisions.