Two chiefs arrested after attack on Chinese workers

What you need to know:

  • On Wednesday, a high-powered security team led by the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo toured the site promising the Chinese nationals that security will be provided round the clock.
  • Mr Musiambo, accompanied by security teams from Narok, Nakuru, Naivasha and Railway police on a visit to the site warned that the government will not condone acts of lawlessness.

Two chiefs and a resident have been arrested in connection with Tuesday’s attack by Maasai morans on Chinese nationals working at the standard gauge railway construction site in Duka Moja, Narok County.

Tension is high in the area, with locals threatening to storm the construction site again to protest the arrest of the trio.

Members of the local community were planning to hold a demonstration to protest the arrest.

Narok County Police boss Jillo Galgalo has ordered security to be reinforced at the site amid the growing tension.

On Wednesday, a high-powered security team led by the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo toured the site and promised the Chinese nationals that security would be provided round the clock.

He held separate meetings with the local community and representatives of the Chinese company where he said construction would go on as planned.

CLAMOUR FOR JOBS

On Tuesday, over 200 Maasai morans descended on Chinese workers at the Duka Moja site, clobbering them with rungus and injuring them as their agitation for jobs at the local construction company got nasty.

Fourteen of the workers were injured and treated at Narok Level Five Hospital.

The local community has been demanding a share of jobs from China Road and Bridge Corporation, which is building the railway in the area.

Mr Musiambo, accompanied by security teams from Narok, Nakuru, Naivasha and Railway police on a visit to the site, warned that the government would not condone acts of lawlessness.

He said those who were involved in the attack would be arrested and charged in court.

This is not the first time Maasai youths have demonstrated against the Chinese company at the railway site.

A few weeks ago, more than 300 young men protested there but the police broke them up.