Senator Omtatah seeks answers on police shooting at An’gata Barikoi

Parliament Buildings
Thursday, 22nd May 2025

Senator Okoiti Omtatah (Busia County) has sought a Statement from the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations regarding the shooting and killing of residents at Ang`ata Barikoi by police officers.

"On Monday, 28th April, 2025, five people, including a six-year-old child, were killed following an attempt by officials from the Ministry of Lands to begin land adjudication process in the Moyoi Adjudication Section in Transmara," revealed Sen. Omtatah

Senator has demanded clarity on the circumstances that led to the use of live bullets, resulting in the shooting and killing of five residents of Ang'ata Barikoi and leaving many others injured during a protest over land demarcation.

The National Reconstruction Party Lawmaker further wants the identity of the rightful owners of the land in question, as well as the measures in place to address the longstanding disputes over the land. The Senator also wants to know the reason behind the decision to demarcate the land and evict residents, despite a valid court order restraining such actions until the matter is fully heard and determined, providing details on who ordered the demarcation and whether the community was consulted or involved.

The Committee is expected to give the status of investigations conducted by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into the incident, including steps taken to hold accountable the officers responsible for opening fire on unarmed residents of Ang'ata Barikoi besides establishing plans to compensate the affected families for the deaths and injuries, as well as reimbursement of burial expenses.