Three men are fighting for their lives in a Kitale-based hospital following a clash between police and locals over a disputed 40-acre land in Mowlem area, Trans Nzoia County.
Joseph Sifuna, 29, Nashon Nambili, 27, and Dennis Barasa, 34, were allegedly shot yesterday at the disputed Kipnyikeu farm located in the Endebess Constituency.
Sifuna is reported to have a bullet lodged in his thigh, while Nambili and Barasa sustained gunshot injuries to their thighs, abdomen, and legs.
The wounded men were rushed to Andersen Private Hospital and later referred to Cherang’any Hospital for surgery.
The circumstances under which the trio was shot were still unclear by yesterday afternoon.
“The doctors here at Andersen have told me that a bullet is lodged in my thigh, my left leg is currently painful. I might not walk normally again,” said Sifuna.
Oscar Wanyonyi, a resident, claimed that a similar shooting incident claimed two lives and left families devastated two years ago. “Our sons’ lives will never be the same again. We are seeking help to get justice for them, and the victims must be compensated,” said Wanyonyi.
Wanyonyi called upon Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome and Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to order the transfer of officers who have served in an area for more than three years. He further urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the shooting and hold the responsible officers accountable.
“IPOA have been here before and are aware that we have buried our kin due to land conflict, yet we have not gotten justice. This time, we call upon them to conduct a serious investigation and prosecute those involved in the shooting incident,” said Wanyonyi.
Oringe Waswa, the legal representative for the victims, confirmed plans to file charges against the police officers involved in the incident. “We are tackling this matter head-on. We will not leave any stone unturned until the victims get justice,” said Waswa.
Adding to the outrage, Janerose Mutama, the County Executive Committee Member for Lands, confirmed that no court order or eviction notice was issued to the estimated 800 families residing on the farm. The families said they have lived in the property for four decades.
Mutama condemned the violence, stating that children who witnessed the dramatic attack were traumatized.
The county executive emphasized the need for exploring alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms before resorting to forceful eviction.
Kitale-based human rights activist Richard Masanja joined the chorus of condemnation, demanding justice for the victims.
“The shooting incident on the Kipnyikeu farm exposes the simmering tensions surrounding land ownership in Trans Nzoia County. We are demanding justice and accountability” Said Masanja.
When contacted by The Standard, Endebes sub-county police commander Salesioh Muirithi confirmed that the matter was still under investigation and declined to divulge details.