Wycliff Kipsang

Tension is high at Chebarus area in Uasin Gishu county following the shooting of two people after a confrontation between Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers and residents over a disputed land.

A row has been brewing in the area over KDF’s move to acquire more than 1,800 acres of land for the establishment of a buffer zone between the residents and the Kenya Ordinance Factories Corporation (KOFC) situated at Moi Barracks, Eldoret.

The residents, however, insist on being issued with title deeds before they can negotiate with the military over the acquisition of the land.

During the confrontation on Christmas Day, the KDF officers and police officers from Soy Police Station in the company of some government surveyors were on a mission to demarcate a disputed land at Chebarus area in Turbo constituency.

The survey had started at Kebeswet, Jerusalem and Tanzania areas on December 23.

But when the team arrived at Chebarus area in Kiplombe location in Turbo sub-county on Christmas day, it  was confronted by angry villagers who demanded to know why the exercise was being carried out on a holiday and despite an ongoing court case. 

During the confrontation, the KDF officers allegedly opened fire leading to the death of the duo.