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A National Assembly Committee has pledged to seek a lasting solution to insecurity in Angata Barikoi and Nyaderema in Kilgoris and Kuria East constituencies.
The Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, led by its chair, Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West), made this commitment during three separate public engagements with residents of Angata Barikoi, Gwitembe, and Kugitimo Market.
At Angata Barikoi, the Committee met briefly with security personnel to plan the areas to be visited and to receive a briefing on the persistent conflict situation.
Notably, the Committee handed over a new police vehicle to the Angata Barikoi security team in recognition of their efforts to maintain peace under challenging circumstances.
During a presentation by Mr. Muhammed Jubat, the Deputy County Commissioner, the Committee learned that the conflict had affected the Kuria and Kipsigis communities, who are in dispute over a 6,300-acre piece of land.
During an engagement with Angata Barikoi residents, Kamina, a local resident, informed the Committee that since the conflict began, 17 people have lost their lives, many have sustained permanent injuries, and others face significant hospital bills. He also noted that crops have been destroyed, and 947 cattle have been lost.
Mr. Ben Koiyando, head of the Angata Barikoi Farmers’ Cooperative Society, provided a chronological account, explaining that the land originally belonged to the Maasai, who sold part of it to the Kipsigis. In 2004 to 2007, the Maasai leased another portion to the Kuria community.
“We leased our portion of the land to the Kuria, but they fought and pushed us off our land. Now, they are fighting the Kipsigis. As Maasai, we don’t want such baseless conflicts ,” he said.
Gwitembe residents noted that they have coexisted peacefully with the Kipsigis for the past eight years. They however, pointed out that the Kuria community feels neglected and sidelined, accusing police officers of taking sides in the conflict.
In a document presented by a teacher and resident of Gwitembe, they requested the Committee to establish a buffer zone at Gwitereri and Gututa areas. They also suggested relocating the GSU camp from Kuria land to the border.
Other requests included compensation for affected families, the arrest of individuals inciting violence, and altering their boundary to remove them from Nyanza region, as they believe they are denied services due to their current regional alignment.
Residents of Kugitimo Market appealed to the Committee to ensure the return of 20 acres of land taken from them. They emphasized their desire to avoid conflict.
After listening to all affected parties, the Committee pledged to prepare a comprehensive report and table it before the House for consideration.
