Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has raised concerns over the continued silence from police leadership and the Ministry of Interior regarding the recent killings at Ang’ata Barikoi, in Narok County, despite passionate appeals from the local community.

Speaking during the Senate proceedings on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Sifuna stated that the community had made emotional and urgent pleas for justice and accountability. However, he noted that their concerns have so far gone unanswered.

“There were very passionate appeals from the community, yet to date, the questions raised have not been answered. I have not heard any communication from the police leadership or the ministry following that meeting,” Sifuna said.

Sifuna further urged the National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations Committee to take up the matter and help uncover the truth behind the killings and the issues raised by residents. He also emphasised that the core of the conflict revolves around land ownership.

“The elephant in the room is the question of the ownership of the land,” he stated.

In addition, the senator expressed hope that the committee would push for transparency and ensure justice is served for the affected community.

“I am hoping that during that interaction with the committee, we will at least for this one be told the truth about the people behind it and the action that has been taken in order to restore those who lost loved ones during that incident,” Sifuna added.

Sifuna on the summon

The vocal senator further recounted a striking incident where the Inspector General of Police was summoned by local leaders in the aftermath of the killings.

He said the IG had to remain in his aircraft for nearly an hour, unable to join an ongoing meeting, as the local leadership had not yet arrived.

“I have referenced this incident because it was the first time I saw the Inspector General being summoned by the local leadership. When he arrived, he could not even disembark from his aircraft until the local leaders were present,” Sifuna stated.

“I witnessed him sit in that chopper for almost an hour, unable to access the ongoing meeting.”

Senator @edwinsifuna weighs in on a statement regarding the shooting and killing of residents of Ang’ata Barikoi in Narok County by police officers. #SenateLive pic.twitter.com/AdLRlwWOYP

— Senate of Kenya (@Senate_KE) May 22, 2025

Ang’ata Barikoi clashes

Sifuna’s concerns come after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on April 28, 2025, condemned the deadly clashes, noting that preliminary reports indicated that five people had been killed.

“This is a very sad occurrence for us in the national security team because we must make sure that lives are protected. Land issues can easily be resolved peacefully; it should not lead to any loss of life,” Murkomen stated.

“From the information we have, five civilians have lost their lives, and five police officers are injured, one of whom is critically injured because he has an arrow lodged in his head, and it has taken a long time to evacuate that police officer to a hospital because of the situation around there.

The incident happened after residents, claiming historical ownership of the land, blocked the main road to prevent land officials from surveying the area.