Scores injured as two rival groups fight over land

A group of youth repair a fence that was destroyed during a confrontation between two groups over a disputed piece of land at Athi River, Machakos County. [Peterson Githaiga/Standard]

Scores of people were injured yesterday when two groups fought over a piece of land in Athi River, Machakos County.

Police fired in the air and lobbed tear gas canisters to separate the violent groups that were armed with machetes and other weapons.

Trouble started when a group of more than 50 men believed to have been hired by a private developer invaded the disputed piece of land and started demolishing structures and houses owned by a company that is also claiming ownership of the property.

Sancha Omuse, who claimed to own the land, vowed not to move. The private developer declined to comment further on the matter.

Athi River Deputy Commissioner David Juma said they arrested five attackers and appealed to the two groups to follow due process to resolve the land dispute.

"My security committee will not sit and watch as people confront each other while taking the law into their own hands. Those who have been arrested will be arraigned," said Mr Juma.