NAKURU, Kenya, Nov, Kenya – Two people have been killed within 24 hours, as clashes between sand traders and police in Mai Mahiu area within Naivasha escalates.
The second person was killed on Tuesday, during violent protests that left scores injured.
Police have denied any involvement in the shooting that claimed the lives of the two sand harvesters.
There are claims that Tuesday’s killing was caused by an unidentified armed motorist acting in self defence.
Police said they’re investigating in a bid to establish the truth.
The violent protests in the usually sleepy town has witnessed mass spread looting for the last two days.
The bone of contention is an increase in levy imposed on sand harvesters by wealthy land owners in the area according to who spoke to Shahidi News.
The first person who was shot on Monday bled to death as he was being rushed to the hospital.
“We believe the police killed our colleagues, we want justice.” Samson Muiruri, a sand harvester said.
According to the sand harvesters, they have been buying sand from various farms across the area at a fixed and agreed price until the management of Kedong farm, which own vast parcels of land in the area decided to change the price without consultations.
“What is happening is that we are paying the community at the source and Kedong farm an extra 1,500 shillings per lorry at the gate. This is double charging, ” Muiruri said.
Naivasha assistant County Commissioner Mutua Kisilu blamed the sand harvesters for the violence in the area saying there are better ways of resolving the dispute.
“We blame the sand harvesters for the chaos, death and destruction of property. We will arrest those that orchestrated the whole thing,” Kisilu said.
Speaking on behalf of the farm, a representative identified as James Karimi also accused the sand traders of misusing youth in the area to cause chaos.
“It is true Kedong has started charging for sand collected from their farm, this is a free trade where we go for willing buyer,” he said.
Several people have since been arrested by police.
Nakuru Police commander Tito Kilonzi told Shahidi News that the security will be heightened in the area, until law and order is restored.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
