Six people arrested in Tambala after violent land clashes

Affected families involved in disputed 100-acre piece of ancestral land in Tambalal area West Pokot county have staged protests, carrying placards and singing, urging both county and national governments to intervene in the land dispute. [Irissheel Shanzu/Standard] Six people have been arrested in Tambalal village, Kamatira area, Kipkomo Sub County, West Pokot following violent clashes over a disputed piece of land. The dispute which spans over 50 years involves a contested 100-acre piece of land which one of the warring groups claims to an of ancestral land. The clashes prompted a police response on Saturday, leading to the arrest of those believed to be perpetrators. The clashes left scores displaced, with some families being forced to sleep in the cold along the Kitale-Lodwar highway. This saw the affected families stage protests, carrying placards while urging both the county and national governments to intervene. "We have lost everything. Where is the government? We have not even seen the area chief. We have nothing to eat," lamented Samuel Alekulem, one of the affected residents. The tension follows a ruling by the Kitale High Court five years ago, which declared the land private. Last week, the court ordered the eviction of all settlers, summoning West Pokot County commander for failing to enforce the ruling. David Pyegoh, one of the residents shot and injured in the incident said more than 40 police officers ambushed the village at around 5am. "We were born and raised here. Our parents were buried here. I have no legs, and now I have been shot again in the same leg," he said. The residents accused security forces of excessive force saying there were gunshots while police chased even children who are still missing. "Some children are missing. How can they do this when the person claiming the land stays in Uganda?" questioned Daniel Perklei. The dispute also threatens the future of local institutions. "There is a public school, Tambalal Primary, and a church here. If this land was private, why were they allowed to exist? Now they are shutting them down," Perklei added. The dispute has displaced over 3,000 people, with many now camping under trees or seeking refuge with relatives. "We are staying in the bush, risking our lives. We could be bitten by snakes. We shall never vote again," vowed Christine Chemkani, a resident. Benjamin Lisoreng warned that the situation could spiral into violent conflict. "We will not sit back any longer as our property is destroyed. The case is still in court, so why the eviction?" he said. Former nominated MCA Teresa Lokichu, who was born in the village, called for justice. "If they want to take the land, let them provide alternative land for the affected people. The one claiming ownership has no house here and stays in Amudat, Uganda," she said. Earlier, 13 families lost a legal battle over the land. Five individuals were jailed for failing to pay Sh2.2 million in damages. Kipkomo Sub County Police Commander Njoroge Mbugua confirmed the arrests, stating, "Six individuals are in custody and will be taken to court on Monday. There was a warrant for 13 people who failed to appear before the Kitale Agricultural Court on March 12, 2025, for allegations of trespassing on private land." He denied claims of police brutality. "No one was shot. The suspects were arrested for violently attacking police officers. We are not carrying out evictions as the case is still in court," he stated. Despite the legal battles, residents remain defiant. "We will not move an inch," declared Lisoreng.

Six people arrested in Tambala after violent land clashes

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