Maasais invade Karlo farm claiming ownership

Nakuru, Kenya: About 100 Maasais invaded Kenya Agriculture Livestock and Research Organisation (Kalro) land for the second time in a month claiming ownership.

Dressed in  traditional red shukas and armed with crude weapons, the pastoralists sub-divided the 1,250 acres.

The land is at the centre of a dispute between Kalro and Isahakias. Last week, the High Court in Nakuru issued a 30-day notice to the Isahakia to move out directing police to enforce the order. And as the Isahakia moved to court to challenge the order, Maasais were arriving in tens to claim ownership.

Armed police had to intervene as the two warring communities threatened to go for each other's neck during yesterday's incident. Senior officers from Kalro watched the unfolding events from a distance.

The Maasai leader Enock Kiminta said that they had ownership documents for the land "which belongs to their ancestors".

However, an agitated Ali Faarah, the chair of the Isahakia Community, questioned the timing of the land invasion.

Naivasha sub-county commissioner Abraham Kemboi accused some leaders of inciting their communities. A private developer has encroached on the nearby Delamere farm forcing national and county governments to intervene. In the past few months, cases of land disputes have increased in Naivasha mainly pitting communities and institutions.