Normalcy has returned to the Kibiko area in Ngong, Kajiado West sub-county, following two weeks of clashes that resulted in a police officer's death and injuries to civilians. Police withdrew after completing boundary demarcation, but leadership disputes and pending oil pipeline compensation persist. Residents have resumed daily activities, though some are still receiving treatment.
The land dispute in Kibiko, Ngong, has fueled tension for over a decade, with two rival leadership factions within the Keekonyokie Community Land Trust clashing. The 2,800-acre plot, valued at Sh100 billion, was returned to the community after ranch operations closed in the 1980s. Over the past two weeks, police-led boundary demarcation sparked clashes that killed one officer, injured civilians, and damaged property.
Armed youth patrolled the area, heightening fear. On Friday, two days after regular police and GSU units withdrew, calm returned. However, several women, including 37-year-old Agnes Kirer shot in the thigh with a rubber bullet, continue treatment at home. The widow and mother of seven said: “I found myself in the middle of the chaos. Now I rely on help from kind people to support me and my children. What kind of government attacks women and children over land?”
Seventy-year-old Tauta Kamuasi, a 25-year resident, added: “The heavy police presence was what triggered the clashes. Powerful people use police to intimidate us because they want our land. We won't be silenced.”
At the core is Sh2.4 billion compensation from Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) for a 27-acre oil pipeline section. Julius Lemoi stated: “Some Nairobi brokers, colluding with corrupt officials in the Land Ministry, are causing these clashes to grab the pipeline compensation.” Frustrated members petitioned to halt the payout until issues are resolved.
County Land Executive Hamilton Parseina pledged: “Ultimately, those titles will be nullified. They will be canceled by relevant institutions once the truth is established.” Lawyer Topua Lesinko noted a Court of Appeal ruling in Nairobi is scheduled for January 30, 2026, with those defying court orders to face punishment. Four youths remain in custody.
