MCA, police officer among six freed on tough bond terms over Trans Mara clashes

Lolgorian Ward MCA Michael Seme (centre) and co-accused at the Nakuru Law Courts in the Trans Mara clashes case. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Six suspects linked to recent clashes in Trans Mara have been released on tough bond terms. Senior Principal Magistrate Vincent Adet rejected an application by the Director of Criminal Investigation to detain the six for 21 days pending investigation and released them on bond. Lolgorian Ward MCA Michael Seme, Police Officer Samuel Langat, Peter Kiplagat, Neke Siteto, Johanna Kamillan, and Gabriel Mibei were freed on a Sh500,000 bond each with a surety of a similar amount. Seme, Kiplagat, and Siteto were arraigned on Monday, while Langat, Kamillan, and Mibei were arraigned yesterday. Mibei is a former Angata Barikkoi ward MCA, while Kamillan, according to the police, is an influencer within Trans Mara who has been using social media to incite locals. The six had been arraigned before a Nakuru court on a miscellaneous application filed by the DCI, who argued that they required more time to conclude inquiries into a wave of violence in Ang'ata Barikoi and Lolgorian wards. The DCI told the court that investigators were probing offenses including murder, arson, promoting warlike activities, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of firearms. In court papers, detectives said they intended to revisit, process, and document several scenes linked to murder, arson, and stock theft. They also sought to trace and record statements from victims of arson attacks, murders, assaults, and livestock theft. According to the DCI, at least 10 people have been killed and more than 100 houses torched during the clashes. Investigators further told the court they planned to obtain medical records and postmortem reports from hospitals in Narok, Migori, Kisii, and Homa Bay counties, where some of the injured victims were treated. "We also seek to trace and recover firearms used in committing the murders and subject them to forensic examination," detectives stated in the application. The DCI also indicated it intended to seek exhumation orders to allow the body of one victim to be exhumed for postmortem examination and to investigate the financial records of the suspects, arguing that the nature of the investigations was complex and required adequate time. However, lawyers representing the suspects opposed the application, arguing that their clients were not flight risks and were willing to comply with any bond terms set by the court. They also maintained that the suspects would not interfere with witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations. In his ruling, Senior Principal Magistrate Vincent Adet said the detectives had failed to give compelling reasons to warrant continued detention of the six. The court noted that the investigation steps outlined by the police can be undertaken while the six are out on bond. As a condition of their release, the magistrate ordered the six to report to the DCI Serious Crime Unit every Wednesday until the end of January 2026. They were also directed not to interfere with witnesses, obstruct investigations, or engage in any form of public incitement. Any breach of the bond terms, the court warned, would result in cancellation of the bond and immediate arrest. The case will be mentioned on February 4. The release of the six comes at a time the government issued a seven-day ultimatum to illegal firearm holders in the area to surrender. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen ordered residents of Transmara South to surrender all illegal firearms as the government intensifies efforts to curb insecurity in the region. Speaking during a security meeting held at Sitete Primary School in Ang'ata Barrikoi Ward, Murkomen reaffirmed the government's commitment to restoring peace and stability, warning that tough action would be taken against those found in possession of illegal weapons after the deadline. So far, security agencies have recovered five firearms, including one G3 rifle, three AK-47 rifles, and one homemade gun, alongside 14 rounds of ammunition. The CS announced that coordinated security operations will be conducted across four sub-counties-Kilgoris, Emurua Dikirr, Kuria East, and Kuria West-as part of the crackdown on armed criminal activity. Murkomen further revealed that detectives are investigating individuals suspected of being involved in the illicit arms trade, warning that those found culpable will face severe legal consequences. He cautioned residents against carrying illegal weapons of any kind, including traditional weapons such as arrows. In addition, Murkomen directed Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers to carry firearms strictly within designated wildlife reserves, stressing adherence to operational protocols. He also issued a stern warning to police officers against handing over firearms to civilians, stating that any officer found doing so will be arrested and subjected to immediate disciplinary action. The CS added that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute individuals believed to be fueling violence and insecurity in the region.

MCA, police officer among six freed on tough bond terms over Trans Mara clashes

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