Narok: High-Ranking Officers Transfered After Angata Barikoi Killings
In response to the fatal shooting of five civilians in Angata Barikoi, the Inspector General (IG) of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, has taken firm action. On Tuesday, April 29, Kanja personally visited the affected region, met with residents, and addressed their concerns. His message was clear: officers who abused their authority would face serious consequences.
During a tense community meeting, IG Kanja apologised on behalf of the police for the excessive use of force. “That DCIO should be removed from here and taken somewhere else. Amin, take him to your headquarters. Those GSU commander officers who are here, remove them from here immediately; take them somewhere else,” he instructed, pointing to the senior officers suspected of mishandling the situation.
The IG went on to assure the residents that justice would be served. “Any officer who has operated outside the law will carry his own cross. We are together; anyone who has acted against the law will carry his own cross,” he declared.
As a part of immediate action, IG Kanja ordered the transfer of the area Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) along with officers from the General Service Unit (GSU). He emphasized the need for accountability and vowed that no one would be shielded from responsibility.
At the same event, Kanja revealed that broader police reforms were underway. These changes, he noted, would not only target individuals but also address systemic issues within law enforcement. He encouraged local residents to support the reforms and to respect the rule of law. “Maintaining peace is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play in building a safe country,” he said.
Kanja did not come alone. A high-profile delegation joined him at the meeting, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The group included Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service (DIG-KPS) Eliud Lagat, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, Director of Operations (APS) Jackson Kangani, Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati, and the NPS Director of Corporate Communications, Muchiri Nyaga.
Several political figures were also present. Among them were Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech, and Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno. These leaders echoed Kanja’s message and stressed the importance of justice. They demanded full accountability for the five people who lost their lives during the confrontation.
The incident has sparked outrage nationwide. Many Kenyans, including political leaders, took to social media to express their dismay. Posts condemned the actions of officers who reportedly opened fire on unarmed civilians. The public sentiment has been one of shock and anger, with citizens calling for systemic changes and justice for the victims.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was among those who openly criticized the police’s handling of the situation. In a public statement, he denounced the killings and questioned the deployment of heavily armed security personnel to the disputed area. “Who authorised the deployment of GSU and RDU officers?” he asked. “The person who gave that order must be held responsible for this tragic loss of innocent lives.”
Gachagua also voiced concern over reports of illegal land seizures, suggesting that the police presence might have been motivated by more than just public safety concerns. He called for a transparent investigation into the matter and urged authorities to expose any individuals who may have tried to benefit from the conflict.
His remarks added fuel to the already growing demand for a thorough inquiry into the events at Angata Barikoi. Many citizens now believe the violence could have been avoided if better communication and restraint had been exercised by security forces.
Although IG Kanja has taken swift steps to address the crisis, many observers remain watchful. Civil society groups have already called for an independent probe. Some have even proposed civilian oversight of police operations in volatile areas, arguing that self-regulation within the police force has repeatedly failed.
The National Police Service finds itself at a critical moment. Public trust has been shaken, and only transparent, fair action can restore confidence. As investigations continue, all eyes remain on the leadership to ensure that this tragedy leads to meaningful reform rather than another forgotten headline.
While the IG’s visit and the immediate transfers are seen as steps in the right direction, the road ahead remains long. Rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the public will take more than apologies and personnel changes. It will require a sustained commitment to justice, accountability, and structural reform.
The people of Angata Barikoi—and indeed all Kenyans—are waiting to see if this tragedy will finally bring lasting change. As IG Kanja stated, “Anyone who has acted against the law will carry his own cross.” For many, the hope is that these words translate into real justice, not just rhetoric.
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Narok: High-Ranking Officers Transfered After Angata Barikoi Killings
