Authorities in Naivasha are intensifying their search for a former assistant chief and his son, who are suspected of orchestrating violent attacks linked to a land dispute in the Maella area. The recent incidents have left one person dead and three others seriously injured, sparking fear among residents and raising concerns over escalating land-related violence in the region.
The retired government official and his son allegedly planned the attacks amid ongoing disagreements over the ownership of portions of the Ng’ati farm, a large tract of agriculturally valuable land in Naivasha. Eyewitnesses and victims have identified the two suspects as central figures in the assaults, noting that they are well-known members of the local community. Following the attacks, both fled to a neighboring county to avoid arrest.
Naivasha’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO), Isaac Kiama, confirmed that the suspects were out on bond from a previous case linked to land disputes. “We have launched a manhunt for the former assistant chief and his son over the recent attacks that left one dead and three seriously injured,” Kiama said. He added that authorities had restored calm in the area after a week of heightened tension following the violence.
The attacks reportedly involved a group of armed herders who targeted four men, leaving them with serious injuries. The fatality occurred when one of the victims sustained life-threatening wounds during the confrontation. Police are currently gathering further evidence to strengthen the case and anticipate charging the suspects with murder and aggravated assault once apprehended.
Local leaders have expressed alarm at the recurrence of such violent land conflicts in Naivasha. Residents said tensions over land ownership have been simmering for years, often erupting into clashes that endanger lives and property. Several families in the area have lived under constant threat due to unclear land titles, disputes over boundaries, and historical grievances.
Community elders have called on both parties to engage in dialogue and seek legal resolution rather than resorting to violence. “Land is a sensitive issue here. People must respect the law and allow disputes to be settled in courts, not through attacks that destroy lives and livelihoods,” one local elder said.
Authorities have also appealed to the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. Police say that tracking them down is a priority not only to ensure justice for the victims but also to prevent further escalation of conflict in Naivasha, a key agricultural hub in Kenya’s Rift Valley.
This latest incident highlights the ongoing challenges of managing land disputes in rural Kenya, where competing claims, historical ownership issues, and weak enforcement mechanisms sometimes result in violent confrontations. For the victims’ families, the hope is that swift police action will bring the perpetrators to justice and restore a sense of security in the community.
