Rallies at settlement scheme put on hold

Politicians have been banned from holding meetings at a settlement scheme after one person was killed and several others injured in a land dispute.

Tension started rising last month after armed intruders prevented settlers at the Chepchoina Settlement Scheme from preparing their land for planting, with some politicians said to be fanning unrest.

SOLUTION TO BE FOUND

County security chiefs imposed the ban during a meeting at Chepchoina General Service Unit camp.

“We have decided to ban all political meetings at this scheme. We will arrest any politician who will defy our directive,” said Trans Nzoia police boss Lilian Okembo.

The police chiefs also instructed the settlers to put land preparation on hold until a solution was found by local leaders.

Ms Okembo said 12 people would be charged with the man’s killing and torching of six houses at the weekend.

Ms Salome Nyambura is fighting for her life at the Eldoret Referral Hospital after she was shot with an arrow now lodged in her head.

Her attackers are said to be intruders from the West Pokot County.

Area chief Richard Kirui said the attackers, who were armed with rungus and arrows, raided a section of the settlers, injuring Ms Nyambura and Mr Jonathan Mutende, a former chief.

“I carried the woman who had an arrow on her head on my motorbike as the youths pursued us,” said Mr Kirui whose clothes were blood- stained.

24-HOUR SURVEILLANCE

Ms Okembo promised a 24-hour surveillance to contain armed youths who have been attacking the settlers.

“We have a team comprising Administration Police, GSU and regular police officers who will be guarding the area to ensure there are no more attacks,” said Ms Okembo.

Last year, the Parliamentary Lands Committee toured the settlement scheme on a fact-finding mission.