Violence broke out in Kibiko, Kajiado County, on Wednesday night, leaving one person injured and a vehicle burnt as tension in the area escalated once again. Residents woke up to a heavy police presence as authorities moved to restore calm following the latest flare-up over the contentious Kibiko land issue.
The incident has revived painful memories of previous clashes linked to ownership disputes in Kibiko. For years, the land has been at the center of conflict between residents, developers and community groups, each laying claim to parcels within the expansive area. Past confrontations have led to destruction of property, injuries and strained relations among locals, with security agencies frequently called in to contain violence.
Community members argue that the land was historically communal and should remain under the control of locals. However, developers and individuals who acquired ownership documents through formal transactions insist their claims are legitimate. The standoff has made Kibiko one of the most disputed areas in Kajiado, drawing national attention due to repeated violence.
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In response to growing concerns, the Ministry of Lands has consistently denied allegations of land grabbing in Kibiko. Officials maintain that allocations and transactions were conducted within the law, urging parties to seek legal redress rather than resorting to violence. The Ministry has also dismissed claims that powerful individuals are using state machinery to displace residents, stating that due process was followed in all land-related dealings.
Despite these assurances, tension has remained high in Kibiko as locals continue to question the authenticity of certain land titles. Leaders from Kajiado have on several occasions called for dialogue and an impartial audit of land ownership in order to resolve the impasse once and for all. Civil society groups have also weighed in, warning that unless a lasting solution is found, sporadic violence could continue to destabilize the area.
The latest incident underscores the fragile nature of peace in Kibiko. Security officers are still monitoring the situation to prevent retaliatory attacks. Local leaders are now urging calm and appealing to both residents and developers to allow mediation processes to take place.
By Benedict Aoya
