Woman Recounts Being Shot as Police and Residents Clashed in Narok

In the aftermath of the violent exchange between irate herders and police that led to the deaths of three people and several others injured, victims of the incident have come out to speak, recounting the harrowing encounter.

One of the victims, Florence Kemunto, narrated her ordeal during the Friday, January 18 incident that occurred in the Duka Moja area along the Narok-Kisii highway. Kemunto sustained gunshot wounds to the thigh after she was hit by stray bullets.

“I was coming from my farm when I encountered people protesting. Afterward, police came to the scene, and people started running in all directions,” Kemunto narrated. 

“When we were running away, I felt something hit me. When I checked, I saw that I was bleeding. Luckily, well-wishers came and rushed me to the hospital,” she added.

The victim, who is currently receiving treatment, stated that two bullets are still lodged in her body. According to Narok County Police Commander Rick Ongare, nine police officers who were injured in the protests were treated and later discharged.

The angry herders, believed to be Maasai Morans, took to the streets to protest against a heinous attack where a Toyota Prado vehicle heading to Kisii on Thursday night hit their livestock, leading to the death of over 40 sheep.

Things took a turn for the worse when police arrived at the scene to clear the carcass from the road, with the herders claiming that they were paid a hefty bribe. This led to a violent exchange where the residents attacked the police officers, beating one, cutting his arm, and stealing his gun. 

Residents are said to have chased down the police officer who was running for his life. They, however, caught up with him and beat him with rungus and machetes, and eventually chopped off his hand. 

“We were very angry when we found out about this incident last night. We found out that the police were paid Ksh2 million to take away the carcass and cover the incident.,” Sankok Ole Lamwesi, a resident, narrated.

Remaining adamant, the residents refused to reopen the road, demanding that their governor show up and witness the losses they incurred.

Motorists along the Narok-Kisii road had to pay with their time as transport was stalled for close to three hours.

In the wake of the incident, the police revealed that the stolen gun was returned, adding that the area had been restored to relative calm.

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina sent a message preaching peace to area residents, pledging his commitment to amend the situation. 

“My deepest condolences to the residents of Duka Moja for the unfortunate double tragedy. It’s very sad to lose both wealth and human life. I urge both the police service and the residents of Duka Moja to remain calm and maintain peace and order for justice to prevail. We shall work very closely with the area MP, Ken Aramat, whom I thank very much for rushing to the scene to attempt to resolve the situation,” Ledama stated. 

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna reiterated his counterpart’s statement calling for an end to the situation.

“What has happened in Narok today is most unfortunate. There have been needless deaths and injuries arising out of a situation that was clearly mishandled. Both the security forces and the community must now exercise maximum restraint to avoid any further bloodshed. I have spoken to the area senator and our local party leadership to assist in ensuring this,” Sifuna stated.

On the other hand, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority announced its intent to launch investigations into the Duka Moja violence.