Police in Kiambu county have launched investigations into a violent confrontation over a contested 300-acre parcel of land in Kiambu county amid escalating tensions between rival groups claiming ownership of the property.
The clash has exposed the deep-rooted ownership dispute involving several claimants, conflicting court orders and allegations of hired gangs being used to intimidate and forcefully evict people occupying or working on the land.
Residents claim that a prominent Kiambu property developer is financing one of the rival factions to drive out the opposing group, while another faction is accused of enlisting the services of an outlawed criminal group to unleash violence.
The allegations, which have not been independently verified, are among the issues investigators are expected to examine as police seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the latest outbreak of violence.
The situation has left residents fearful of further attacks, with some threatening to stage demonstrations over reports of threats and violence.
The latest confrontation reportedly erupted when members of a cooperative group went to cultivate the disputed farm.
Witnesses said a group of men, allegedly linked to an organised gang, descended on the farm and attacked those present using machetes, wooden clubs and other crude weapons.
Several residents, including elderly people, were reportedly assaulted during the confrontation.
Although residents put the number of injured people at about 10, police records indicate that only one victim had formally reported an injury, received medical attention and was subsequently discharged.
No arrests had been reported by the time of publication, raising concerns among residents over the possibility of renewed violence.
Kiambu subcounty police commander Elema Sora and subcounty Criminal Investigations Officer Stephen Mutua said security agencies were investigating the incident and working to contain the situation.
Sora acknowledged the complexity of the land dispute, noting that officers were confronted with several court orders issued over different periods, making it necessary to establish the precise legal position before taking enforcement action.
He said the security team had sought guidance from the National Police Service legal department on how to handle the competing directives while ensuring the dispute did not degenerate into further violence.
The security team is also expected to engage the rival parties as they await further directions from the court.
