Narok: Two Killed in Police-Resident Clash Over Sheep Accident in Narok

Two people were shot dead, and ten others hospitalized with gunshot wounds after a violent confrontation between police and residents at Duka Moja Trading Centre along the Mai Mahiu-Narok Road on Friday.
The clashes were triggered by protests over a road accident on Thursday night, where a vehicle reportedly ran over 36 sheep.
Residents demanded Ksh3 million in compensation, accusing authorities of mishandling the aftermath of the accident.
Narok County Police Commander Riko Ngare confirmed the incident, stating that several people are feared dead, though no official numbers have been released.
A police officer who had his hand severed during the confrontation was rushed to Narok Referral Hospital, where another officer allegedly succumbed to injuries, though this remains unconfirmed by the police.
Witnesses said the violence erupted after police forcibly dispersed protesters who had barricaded the road, demanding justice and accountability for the accident.
The vehicle involved, reportedly registered as KCT 071Y and linked to a public university, had allegedly hit and killed the sheep while its driver fled the scene, further aggravating tensions.
The community remained at the scene until 3 AM on Friday, demanding compensation, but police dispersed them using gunfire and tear gas.
They later loaded the sheep carcasses into a police vehicle, which angered the residents when they discovered the sheep had been dumped in Oloikarere Forest instead of being taken to the local station as evidence.
“After police forcibly dispersed the protesters, they loaded the dead sheep into a police land cruiser and disposed of them in the forest,” said Alfred Kiriolale, a witness.
School children discovered the carcasses in the forest, sparking fresh outrage.
David Takona, a resident, criticized the police for failing to preserve the sheep as evidence.
“Police forced us from the scene, took the sheep, and hid them in the forest. This is why we protested and blocked the road,” he said, calling for government action against the driver.
Narok East MP Ken Aramat intervened to calm the situation and helped reopen the road after an eight-hour standoff. He condemned the police for escalating the situation through the use of excessive force, which he said only worsened frustrations.
The protest caused a traffic jam stretching over 10 kilometers, with motorists stranded for hours.
Local leaders joined in criticizing the police’s response. Keekonyokie Ward MCA Lemiso Kimiti accused authorities of mishandling the case and inciting the residents further.
“How can police dump the sheep in a thicket instead of using them as evidence? Their actions only provoked the residents further,” he said, displaying recovered bullets and blank rounds from the scene.
Residents and leaders are demanding accountability from the police and the driver of the vehicle.
“This road has clear livestock crossing signs. The driver’s recklessness caused this loss, and the police made it worse by mishandling the evidence,” Kimiti added.
Efforts to obtain an official report from the police by 6 PM were unsuccessful. Authorities have yet to address the concerns raised by residents and local leaders.