Natembeya condemns Angata Barrikoi killings, calls for justice

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has condemned the alleged killing of five people by police over land dispute in Angata Barrikoi, Narok county.

Natembeya warned that the culture of land grabbing in the country is a recipe for chaos.

He accused some top government officials of allegedly issuing shoot-to-kill order during the Angata Barrikoi protests, terming it a breach of the law.

He faulted police for using excessive force to restore order during the chaos.

"The constitutional mandate of the police is to protect civilians and property and not to use their firearms to shoot and kill," he said.

The governor warned that Kenya was headed in the wrong direction due to unwarranted bloodshed and accused some senior government officials of using police to harass and kill innocent Kenyans.

"Why should police use the gun to kill Kenyans when their responsibility is to protect them and their property? Is it necessary to shoot and kill to justify the protection of property owned by a senior government leader? The shooting was not justified, and those responsible have to account for the deaths," he said.

At the same time, the governor accused the Independent Police Oversight Authority (Ipoa) of inefficiency in its mandate.

He claimed that Ipoa has become a toothless dog in the face of rising cases of extrajudicial killings.

Natembeya claimed that the agency, gives empty promises on bringing rogue police officers to book.

"There have been promises by Ipoa that they will not leave any stone unturned. Has the agency acted on those killed during G-Z protest? The answer is no," he said. Natembeya appealed for sober approach to land disputes to avoid loss of lives.

He warned that a time would come when the security officers would be held accountable for their deeds.

"Police should not allow themselves to be misused by those in power. Time would come when the officers would be held responsible for their deeds," he warned.

He urged for proper investigation into the shooting of the five people to ensure justice for the affected families.

The governor blamed the culture of land grabbing orchestrated by some leaders in the government for the loss of lives.

"Many land conflicts is a result of grabbing and this vice is a recipe for violence," he said.