A group of armed individuals raided the deserted General Service Unit (GSU) camp located in Angata Barrikoi, Narok County, destroying structures and stealing valuable materials. The attack, which took place on Friday, May 2, came days after a deadly confrontation over a land dispute in the region that resulted in the deaths of five people.
According to reports, the goons, who are believed to have acted under cover of darkness, caused significant destruction at the camp. They dismantled buildings and took off with essential supplies such as iron sheets, water tanks, timber, and other materials that had been left behind when the GSU personnel vacated the area. The raid occurred after the camp had been abandoned by law enforcement officers, who had previously been deployed to manage security in the area.
The incident follows a violent clash in late April that left five people dead, igniting tensions in the community. The deadly altercation, which was linked to a long-standing land dispute, had prompted a swift response from the authorities. In the wake of the violence, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, ordered the immediate transfer of the Deputy County Commissioner of Intelligence (DCIO) and the GSU officers stationed in the area. The decision to redeploy the officers was part of a broader effort to address concerns about law enforcement’s handling of the incident.
During a public statement on April 29, Kanja issued an apology to the residents of Narok County, expressing regret over the loss of life. He further promised that swift action would be taken against the officers who had allegedly used excessive force during the clash. His comments reflected a commitment to maintaining law and order in the area, ensuring that any actions taken by the police would be appropriate and within the bounds of the law.
In addition to the apology, Kanja assured the local population that a new team of GSU officers would be posted to the region to oversee security operations. The transfer of the previous team, combined with the new appointment, was intended to restore calm and improve public trust in the security forces. The presence of a new GSU team was seen as crucial to stabilizing the situation, particularly in the aftermath of the violent land dispute and the destruction of property.
The raid on the GSU camp in Angata Barrikoi highlights the ongoing tensions and the fragile security situation in Narok County. It underscores the challenges facing law enforcement in dealing with violence linked to land disputes, as well as the need for careful oversight of police actions in such sensitive situations. While the authorities have taken steps to address the unrest, the destruction of the camp and the theft of materials raise concerns about the ability to maintain control over such isolated areas.
Local residents have expressed frustration over the lack of security and the slow pace of justice in the aftermath of the violence. Many are calling for greater protection from the authorities and for more transparent investigations into the deaths and the subsequent actions of law enforcement. The government’s response, particularly the promised redeployment of GSU officers, will be closely watched as a measure of its commitment to addressing the ongoing issues in the region.
