Police officer killed, several injured in Ngong land row

One police officer has been killed, several civilians injured and two motorcycles burned in Kibiko, Kajiado West sub-county, following an ongoing standoff over communal land subdivision.

The slain officer was among several officers injured after they were ambushed by a group of rowdy youth on Christmas Day while providing security to surveyors erecting beacons on the disputed land. Several civilians also sustained injuries during the melee.

Seven suspects have been arrested and are currently in police custody, awaiting arraignment in court on Monday.

The youth, armed with arrows, spears and other crude weapons, are said to be working in cahoots with a section of local leaders opposed to the land subdivision process.

Two motorcycles were torched on Friday night before their riders were attacked with pangas by a rival group. The riders are among those currently receiving treatment in different hospitals.

Security has since been beefed up to ensure the land beaconing exercise continues uninterrupted.

The bone of contention is the subdivision of 2,800 acres of land valued at Ksh.100 billion, with leadership wrangles pitting two rival factions against each other for years.

One faction, led by Moses Monik, claims to be the legally recognised leadership endorsed by the government and says it is ready to issue title deeds to all members.

Monik claims that those opposing the ongoing process sold their shares to outsiders many years ago. He reiterated his commitment to ensure that no member is evicted or denied their rightful share.

He also accused a section of local leaders of financing militias to instigate violence.

The subdivision exercise is expected to be completed next week.

Kajiado County Commander Alex Shikondi has warned individuals fuelling violence for personal gain, saying security agencies agreed to provide protection only after scrutinising documents presented by the faction currently erecting beacons.