Police probe death of 5 men found on KDF land
Confusion looms over the mysterious killing of five people near Moi Barracks in Eldoret after they allegedly trespassed on a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) land.
There are conflicting reports whether the young men were shot dead by KDF officers or were beaten to death by guards manning the expansive farm in Kamagut area.
People Daily established that the men met their deaths while collecting maize remains after harvesting on Ngano maize farm owned by KDF on Saturday night.
Turbo Deputy County Commissioner Charles Ijiha claimed the men aged between 18 and 25 had gone to collect maize remains after a harvest when farm guards attacked them.
“I received information that some bodies had been discovered. Investigation has been launched into the incident,” said the administrator.
This has however contradicted an earlier version where it had been suspected that the deceased might have been shot dead by KDF officers manning the area as their bodies had bullet wounds. KDF is yet to issue a statement over the matter.
Locals, including children, usually scavenge for maize remains locally known as “Turonik” after harvest due to harsh economic times. Directorates of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers were yesterday heading to the scene to launch a probe as locals and leaders demand justice for the victims.
“We are in talks with KDF leadership to enable the search on the farm if there are any survivors or victims,” said Ijiha.
Victims get justice
Residents who spoke to People Daily said they usually go to the farm to collect the remains of the maize after harvest by a combine harvester but no such an incident had been reported.
“This is the first time we are losing lives as a result them going to the farm to collect maize remains. We appeal to President William Ruto whose home is not far from here to ensure the victims get justice,” said Paul Tirop, a resident.
Turbo MP Janet Sitienei said the government’s land compulsory acquisition policy should be reviewed to ensure that those affected are fully compensated.
“This land issue has been there since the tenure of the late retired president Daniel Moi. We acknowledge the importance of land use by the government. However, the welfare of those who have been occupying the land should be put into consideration,” said Sitienei. A row has been brewing over KDF’s move to acquire more than 1,800 acres of land for creation of a buffer zone between the residents and the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) situated at Moi Barracks, Eldoret.
Last year, two people were shot dead following a confrontation between KDF officers and residents of Chebarus area in Turbo constituency.
The military has insisted that they have to hive off the land which will act as a buffer zone between the KOFC and residents but the residents want to be allocated title deeds before they can negotiate with the military over acquisition of the land which runs for about two kilometres.
The squatters who were displaced after the government acquired the land want to be allocated an alternative settlement and allowed to cultivate on part of the idle land belonging to the Department of Defence.
The residents claim that they were allocated the 5,339 acres of land bordering the barracks by the late former President Daniel Moi in the year 2000 but were allocated 4,236 acres of land.
Senior officials
At the centre of interest is 1,579.02 hectares, the squatters want the Department of Defence (DOD) to surrender for their settlement.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently held a meeting with senior officials from Uasin-Gishu County and the National Lands Commission (NLC) in a bid to find a lasting solution to the stalemate.
During the meeting held in Nairobi yesterday, Duale said there was need for a lasting solution between squatters and KDF over the ownership of the land which has for many years led to loss of many following a clash between civilians and soldiers.
According to Duale, the ministry is in the process of providing alternative land to relocate the locals who have occupied critical areas in close proximity to the military installation and the Kenya Ordinance Factory.
