Narok-Migori Land Dispute Turns Violent as Goons Raid Maize Plantation

Residents of Trans Mara, Narok County, are decrying poor security after unknown goons raided and destroyed a maize farm. According to the residents, the attackers cut down maize on a 15,000-acre farm.

The goons raided the piece of land in Angata near the Narok-Migori border on New Year’s Eve, leaving the residents stuck, counting losses and decrying for help.

The incident is believed to have started on December 29 and continued until December 31, when maize plantations were cut down from several acres within the 15,000 acres of land.

“This is not the first time; last year, maize plantations were slashed on this same land and the neighbouring ones. We are wondering what the issue is,” Charles Korir, a resident, said.

As tension continues to rise in the area, the residents are calling on the government to intervene and help resolve the land dispute. The 15,000 acres of land at the border have been involved in border disputes due to the deteriorating state of security in the area.

“Over the past three years, we have lost over 1,027 cows due to these disputes, some of these cows were shot on the road. Now our plantations are paying the expensive price,” Jaona Kamilal, another resident, decried.

While the distressed residents continue to call for action, Trans Mara South police commander Bashir Ali has assured them that the incident is under investigation.

The police commander has also dispelled any allegations that the raw is connected to any political tones.

“This is a normal issue of the hide-and-seek game of persons with criminal intension or the land that is in contestation, nobody wants to dominate it. What is in question is the right ownership of that piece of land. It has nothing to do with political undertones,” Bashir confirmed.

Ongoing efforts to engage the neighbouring communities in a series of consultative meetings between the security teams and residents from both Narok and Migori counties are on set, with Basir expressing optimism.

Police have been deployed in the area to maintain and calm the situation.