Tension is building up in Tambalal village, Kamatira area, Kipkomo Sub County in West Pokot County after more than six people were arrested and several others injured in what is believed to be a land dispute. 

The 50 year old land tussle escalated after the security teams moved with speed to arrest residents who claim to have rightfully owned the land for decades now.

Last year, many residents were forced to flee as several houses were torched, vandalized and property worth millions destroyed by unknown goons.

The over 100 acres of disputed land involving two factions has left scores of residents sleeping in the cold at Kamatira area along the Kitale Lodwar highway after the police stormed the village on Saturday March 15, 2025 to restore order. 

Court papers obtained by TV47 indicate that the case was ruled 5 years ago, however last week the Kitale High Court ordered that all those occupying the land should be evicted.

The court also summoned the West Pokot County commander accusing him of failing to evict the families staying in the land which the court ruled as private.  

Affected families who protested while carrying placards and twigs marched in the villages singing songs and appealed to the county and national governments to intervene in the matter and give them humanitarian aid.

Former nominated MCA Teresa Lokichu who was born in the village called for justice for affected people adding that the government should now give an alternative land to the affected people.

“There is no justice for affected people. If they want to take the land, let them give us another land because affected people have nowhere to go. The one claiming the land has no house here and he stays in Amudat , Uganda,” said Lokichu.

She added that they have appealed the case and residents should not be evicted.

“It means the school and church in the village will be closed. Why should the police shoot a lame boy who has no farm. Those who had a case died a long time ago,” she said.

Tension however remains high in the village. Affected families have been left homeless, displaced and now camping under trees in bushes three kilometers away.

Earlier, 13 families who had gone to court were defeated and they were to be evicted.

 5 people among those who went to court were jailed after failing to pay the compensation fee of Ksh2.2 million for damages.

However, Kipkomo Sub County Police commandant (OCPD) Njoroge Mbugua confirmed that six individuals have been arrested.

Mbugua further said that there was a warrant of arrest for 13 people whom the Kitale Agricultural Court had summoned to appear on 12th March 2025.

“The six are in our custody and will be taken to court on Monday and are supposed to appear in court,” he said.

He said the land was private and the case was still in court, adding that they were not doing evictions as the case was still in court.

Affected families are now calling on government agencies and other well wishers to move with speed and donate to them food and shelter.