The government will purchase 1,500 acres of the disputed Ang’ata Barakoi land in an effort to resolve the long-standing conflict between the Maasai and Kalenjin communities in Transmara along the Narok-Migori border.

President William Ruto announced the decision on Friday, March 6, 2026, during the funeral service of the late Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ngeno Ngong at Emurua Dikirr Primary School in Narok County.

The Head of State said the government had set aside funds to acquire the land in a move aimed at ending the prolonged dispute and restoring peace in the region.

“Serikali tumekubali kulipa hio shamba ya Ang’ata Barakoi ekari 1,500 ili sasa iwe yenu na ile kuvutana kati ya jamii ya wamaasai na wakalenjin tumetatua na sasa kila mtu ataishi kwa usalama, hiyo shamba pia tumeweka kwa budget,” Ruto announced.

The president said the move would ensure residents live peacefully and help address tensions that have persisted for years in the area.

Land dispute sparks violence

The Ang’ata Barikoi land dispute has for decades been a source of tension between communities in the region, largely driven by competing claims over ownership and use of the land.

In December 2025, clashes between residents left dozens of families displaced after more than 30 houses were torched during violence reported between December 16 and 17, 2025.

Leaders have repeatedly called for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the dispute to prevent further conflict and displacement.

Kenya African National Union (KANU) National Chairman Gideon Moi previously urged stakeholders to pursue peaceful solutions through dialogue and respect for the rule of law following the violence.

Local elders and community leaders have also been involved in efforts aimed at easing tensions and restoring calm in the affected areas.

Tributes to late MP Johana Ngeno

The announcement was made during the burial of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno Ngong, who died in a helicopter crash in late February alongside five other people.

Ngeno had been vocal about issues affecting residents in the region, including the Ang’ata Barakoi land dispute.

At a requiem mass held on March 4, 2026, at Africa Gospel Church (AGC) Karen in Nairobi, his brother Barnabas Ngeno spoke about the late legislator’s commitment to unity, development and justice for the community.

The government intervention is expected to address long-standing tensions and pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the land dispute as authorities work with community leaders and other stakeholders.

Residents are now awaiting details on how the land acquisition and allocation process will be implemented.