Six killed after attempt to evict squatters from controversial Mengo farm in Trans-Nzoia County turns chaotic

Trans-Nzoia, Kenya: Six people were Saturday morning killed at the controversial Mengo farm in Trans-Nzoia County during an attempt to evict squatter families living on the farm.

A group of youth believed to have been hired by an individual claiming ownership of the 706 acre farm descended in the area at 5.00am and started to torch houses sparking violence.

County Commander Lillian Okembo said the youth were ferried from Kitale to the farm about 30km away, where they were supposed to evict the occupants after the owner of the farm secured an eviction order from court.

The youth set a blaze four houses before the squatters repulsed them killing six on the spot and four others were arrested.

Other youth assigned to evict the families managed to escape using a lorry that had transported them to the farm

Tension is high at the farm with police intensifying patrols in the area to quell the volatile situation.