Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to name and shame those he claims are responsible for the violent unrest in Ang’ata Barikoi, Narok County, which left at least five people dead.
In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua condemned the killings that occurred on Monday, blaming them on what he termed as a “greedy and lawless attempt” by certain leaders to grab land from long-settled residents. He said the contested 6,000-acre piece of land rightfully belongs to the community that has occupied it for decades.
“My heart goes out to the families of the five innocent Kenyans shot dead and the several others injured in Ang’ata Barikoi,” Gachagua said. “This land belongs to the citizens, and no amount of force or greed can change that.”
Questioning the use of deadly force, Gachagua criticized the deployment of General Service Unit (GSU) and Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) officers to the area, demanding answers over what he described as unlawful shoot-to-kill orders.
“What kind of insatiable appetite is this for land and wealth by a section of leaders? How low can our nation sink?” he asked. “Who authorized this brutal force on innocent Kenyans?”
He further denounced the crackdown as a crime against humanity and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved.
“The forceful displacement of citizens is not just illegal—it is inhumane. I am collecting evidence and will soon reveal the identities of those behind this heinous act,” he vowed.
Violence erupted in Ang’ata Barikoi on Monday afternoon when locals clashed with government officials who had arrived to demarcate the disputed land. Protesters blocked roads, prompting a forceful police response that turned deadly.
Gachagua warned that Kenya cannot afford to return to an era of brutality and dictatorship, stating: “As the world advances toward prosperity and dignity, we must reject oppression and fight for justice.”
