By Beauttah Omanga
Delay in resolving a standoff over the ownership of Banita Settlement Scheme in Nakuru County is being blamed for the recent skirmishes that left four residents with arrow injuries.
A photograph of a resident being rushed to hospital with an arrow still lodged on his left arm carried in some local dailies left many Kenyans in shock, even as the Government seemed unperturbed.
Late last year, a similar incident occurred at the same place when bereaved relatives also tried to bury a kinsman on the same land.
The latest incident that has sparked off tension in the area was as a result of a decision by relatives of a man who died a few days early to bury him on the disputed land.
The relatives of Francis Mwangi Ibrahim sought the assistance of the Rongai DC Joseph Motari who reportedly assured them of security promising to have police officers escort them to the site.
Disputed land
The DC said he directed his juniors and the police to provide security. But later area DO Carol Mbai discouraged them from burying the dead on the disputed land, citing court orders.
Although immediate family members agreed in her presence not to bury Ibrahim on the land, villagers and other relatives proceeded to the burial site only to be repulsed by armed youth.
The mourners then carried the body and dumped it at the Banita patrol base accusing police of failing to provide them with security as promised by the DC.
Area OCPD Jecinta Wesonga arrived at the scene but insisted the burial was improper because there was a court order barring any activity on the disputed land.
Dead body with police
