The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
A planned land eviction in Gitaraka, Embu County, took a deadly turn resulting in the loss of two lives and several injuries, according to reports emerging from the scene. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, saw John Kamau and Julius Bararu, among 15 individuals suspected to be hired goons, sustain severe injuries during the forced eviction.
The operation, allegedly orchestrated by landowner Jane Wahito Ndirangu, aimed to forcefully remove squatters from the property. Led by Pius Nyoike, the group initiated the eviction by destroying makeshift structures on the land. However, the situation swiftly escalated as squatters retaliated, wielding various weapons such as clubs and machetes against the eviction team.
Amidst the chaos, Kamau, Bararu, and Antony Mwangi suffered significant head injuries, necessitating urgent medical attention. Local law enforcement intervened to restore order, rescuing several individuals with varying degrees of injuries.
Twelve individuals, including Nyoike, were apprehended and subsequently detained at Karaba Police Station on charges of causing disturbance likely to breach the peace. However, due to the severity of injuries sustained, they were released on bail.
Meanwhile, Kamau and Bararu, along with Mwangi, were transferred to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital for specialized medical care. Tragically, Kamau and Bararu’s conditions deteriorated, leading to their untimely demise while undergoing treatment on Thursday night.
The devastating news was relayed to authorities by John Muraguri, a relative of one of the deceased, as detailed in the official police report. The incident underscores the volatile nature of land disputes and the dire consequences that can arise when tensions escalate to violence.
