Murkomen apologises for Ang’ata Barikoi “shameful” police brutality, orders probe

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has today publicly condemned police brutality in Ang’ata Barikoi, Narok County, apologising to residents for abuses allegedly committed by law enforcement officers and ordering investigations into the conduct of officers involved.

Speaking during a security meeting at Kabusia Primary School in Ang’ata Barikoi Division on Wednesday, Murkomen described the actions of some police officers as unlawful and said they had brought shame to the National Police Service and the government.

“There are times when I defend our police officers when they are carrying out their duties, but there are also times when I criticise them when they make mistakes, as they did here in Ang’ata Barikoi,” Murkomen said.

“I condemn and ask for forgiveness on behalf of the government for the beatings and loss of property you suffered at the hands of law enforcement officers recently. As a Cabinet Secretary and a lawyer, what happened here is against the law.”

The meeting was held at Kabusia Primary School, one of the locations affected during a security operation mounted following cattle-rustling incidents in neighbouring areas. The operation sparked allegations of police excesses, including assaults, vandalism of homes and destruction of businesses.

Murkomen said reports that residents had been beaten, traders robbed and property destroyed deeply troubled the government and could not be justified under any circumstances.

“What happened here has brought shame to our nation, to the Ministry of Security and to the citizens of Ang’ata Barikoi,” he said.

“There is no reason whatsoever why innocent people should be attacked, beaten, have their property destroyed and be subjected to brutality because of crimes allegedly committed by a few individuals.”

In a rare public apology by a senior government official over police conduct, Murkomen emphasised that security officers are mandated to protect citizens rather than violate their rights.

“I would like to apologise to all the citizens of Ang’ata Barikoi who were hurt because of the brutal actions of police officers who were supposed to protect the people, not beat them, oppress them and steal their property,” he said.

The Interior CS said he had directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to immediately launch internal investigations into the allegations and ensure officers found culpable face disciplinary and legal action.

The probe, he said, would seek to establish responsibility for reported assaults, destruction of businesses and theft of property during the security operation.

“All those officers who were involved in these crimes will face legal action,” Murkomen said. “They have brought shame to the police service and damaged the relationship between citizens and the government.”

He underscored that the Constitution protects every Kenyan from arbitrary treatment and abuse by state officers, warning that violations of those rights would attract consequences.

Murkomen’s visit comes amid a long-running dispute over approximately 6,500 acres of land in Ang’ata Barikoi, which has witnessed recurring clashes, displacement of residents and destruction of property over the years.

Recent confrontations in the area have left several people dead and others injured, while more than 30 houses were reportedly torched, forcing hundreds of residents to seek refuge in nearby schools.

Authorities have linked some of the unrest to cattle-rustling incidents and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the wider Trans Mara and Kuria regions.

In response, Murkomen issued a seven-day ultimatum to individuals illegally possessing firearms in Trans Mara South, Kuria East and Kuria West sub-counties to surrender the weapons voluntarily, warning that security agencies would launch recovery operations once the deadline lapses.

“We cannot allow illegal weapons to continue fueling insecurity and violence in this region,” he said.

The government has pledged to strengthen security operations in the area while pursuing long-term solutions to the recurring conflicts that have repeatedly disrupted livelihoods and undermined peace among local communities.