High tension as hired goons burn down houses over land dispute in West Pokot

A land dispute at Tambalal village, Kipkomo Sub County in West Pokot County has escalated after several houses were on February 16, 2024 morning torched, vandalized and property worth millions destroyed.

Tension is high as residents flee the area after the arson attack. Locals are now blaming some powerful individuals in the area for allegedly hiring goons to destroy property and evict people from the land.

According to area residents, the land dispute has been going on for the past 48 years.

The long standing land dispute pitting two factions over 100 acres of land has left scores of residents spending sleepless nights in the cold after being ambushed by unknown people.

Residents of Tambalal village, West Pokot, count losses after their houses were burnt down by suspected arsonists on February 16, 2024. Photo: Andrew Jumah, TV47

Affected families are now camping under trees in bushes three kilometers away, while some children were reported missing after the incident.

Other affected individuals have sought shelter at their relatives’ homes.

The families are now counting huge losses as they appeal to the county and national governments to intervene in resolving the land dispute.

Residents claim that there was no court order despite the ongoing destruction of their houses. About 3000 people are now homeless after the attack.

As a result, area residents held peaceful protests on Saturday February 17, 2024, accusing area leaders of failing to address their grievances.

Speaking to TV47, the affected families said they are in urgent need of food, shelter and drugs after they were displaced.

Faith Chepkemoi, a resident, said the incident happened at 2 am on Friday where more than 50 armed unknown people ambushed them and burned the houses.

“Maize, beans, Certificates, solar, furniture, iron sheets and Ksh100,000 for my Kenya Medical Training College (MTC) fees were destroyed by the arson,” she said.

She said that the goons ordered them out of their home.

“They said that this not our home,” she said

At the same time, Poo Chepchumba, one of the affected persons said they have nowhere to go or stay.

“We have lost everything. Where is the government? We have not even seen the area Chief. We have nothing to eat,” she said.

Another resident, Beatrice Sharti wondered why they have not been issued with a notice to vacate the land.

Additionally, Martha Kennedy, a local, warned that the situation could degenerate into a bloody conflict, adding that they will not sit back any longer as their property is looted and destroyed.

Churia Lolima, a resident, called on the government to investigate the incident.

“The case is in court and we don’t know where this has come from. We are still waiting for the final court ruling. There is a case on March 8, 2024” he claimed.

Pamela Chepkamkipka noted that schools and churches and their children in boarding schools will be affected if the situation is not controlled early enough.

“Where is the Governor and Pokot South MP and MCA Chepareria ward? We have widows, orphans and the elderly,” said Pamela.

In addition, an elder, Loreng’esio called on the police to investigate the matter and apprehend the arsonists.

“Women were injured and children got lost. I was also injured after falling down,” he said.

Limangole Tilepei noted that they are staying in fear of being attacked again adding that the suspected attackers are a threat to the village as they are armed with high powered weapons.

However, Kipkomo Sub County Police Commandant Adano Abukula said the 13 families lost the court case and they were to be evicted.

Adano said the eviction notice came towards the end of 2023 but they were yet to execute the court order because they were following due process.

“Most likely those who won the case are the ones who sent the goons to evacuate those still residing in the land,” says Adano.

He added that they are investigating the incident.

Story written by Andrew Jumah, TV47 correspondent in West Pokot.