‘Gathering Evidence’ Gachagua Vows to Name Leaders Behind Ang’ata Barikoi Killings & Chaos
At least five individuals lost their lives on Monday afternoon following a violent confrontation between residents of Ang’ata Barikoi in Narok County and security forces.
According to reports, the deadly incident was sparked by protests against government officials who had arrived to demarcate a disputed piece of land.
When demonstrators blocked access roads, police officers were swiftly deployed to disperse the crowd, escalating the already tense situation.
In response to the incident, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua released a strongly worded statement on Monday evening, expressing deep concern and outrage.
He squarely blamed the violence on a group of leaders he accused of greed and a relentless desire to seize land owned by local communities.
“My heart goes out to the families of the five innocent people who have been shot dead and several others who have sustained injuries in Ang’ata Barikoi over the 6,000-acre piece of land, which rightfully belongs to citizens who have lived on it for decades,” said Gachagua.
He went further to question the morality and intentions of those he believes are orchestrating the land grabbing. “What kind of insatiable appetite is this, by a section of leaders, for the primitive accumulation of grabbed land and wealth? Can our nation really sink this low?” he asked in disbelief.
Gachagua insisted that the 6,000 acres of land at the heart of the conflict have long been occupied by Kenyan citizens and should remain under their rightful ownership.
He described the actions by certain leaders as a “primitive obsession” with land acquisition, accusing them of exploiting state power for personal enrichment.
Condemning the killings in the strongest terms, the former deputy president called for justice to prevail. He demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the shootings and injuries. “This forceful displacement of the population is a crime against humanity, and whoever is culpable must face justice,” Gachagua asserted.
He also raised serious questions regarding the role of the General Service Unit (GSU) and Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) officers, who were allegedly involved in the violent response to the protests. “Who deployed GSU and RDU officers to exercise unlawful, lethal, and brutal police force on innocent Kenyans in Ang’ata?” he questioned. Gachagua implied that a deliberate shoot-to-kill directive may have been issued, and he demanded transparency and accountability from security agencies.
Not stopping at condemnation, Gachagua announced his intention to personally uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
He revealed that he was actively collecting evidence and vowed to publicly reveal the names of those responsible. “I am gathering evidence and information on this matter, and we will name and shame those responsible for this heinous act,” he declared. “We cannot afford, as a nation, to live under dictatorship and brutality when the rest of the world is advancing towards prosperity and empowerment of its people.”
Throughout his address, Gachagua urged national reflection, warning against the dangers of unchecked power and corruption. His words served as both a call to action and a condemnation of what he views as an emerging pattern of state-sponsored intimidation and land dispossession.
The former deputy president’s remarks reflect growing public outrage over land-related conflicts in Kenya, which have often led to tragic consequences. His statement appears to align him with the victims and their communities, while also putting pressure on government institutions to act swiftly and fairly.
In the broader context, the incident in Ang’ata Barikoi is a stark reminder of the long-standing land ownership issues that have plagued parts of the country.
As Gachagua continues to demand answers and accountability, the spotlight now turns to state officials and the justice system to address the grievances of the affected families and prevent future bloodshed.
As investigations unfold, many Kenyans are watching closely, hoping for justice, transparency, and an end to the cycle of violence rooted in land disputes. For the families mourning their loved ones, justice cannot come soon enough.
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‘Gathering Evidence’ Gachagua Vows to Name Leaders Behind Ang’ata Barikoi Killings & Chaos
