The dispute centers on a valuable 300-acre tract of land located in Njunu village, Kiambu County. The land was originally acquired with the assistance of the family of the late Senior Chief Charles Karuga Koinange (CKK). Over the decades, ownership of the parcel has become deeply convoluted, burdened by a web of competing court orders dating as far back as 1973 and currently claimed by five primary entities, including the local Njunu Farmers Cooperative Group.
Despite an active court injunction mandating that the status quo be maintained until the legal ownership is formally determined, enforcement has been hampered by overlapping rulings and protracted litigation, with the next court judgment scheduled for November 18.Tension remains high in Njunu village, Kiambu County, following violent altercations over a contested 300-acre parcel of land. While local residents report that ten people sustained injuries during the recent clash, official police records state that only one victim formally reported an injury, received medical treatment, and was subsequently discharged.
The outbreak of violence occurred as members of the Njunu Farmers Cooperative Group were ploughing the land to capitalize on the ongoing rainfall across the region. According to witnesses, a group consisting predominantly of men—alleged to belong to an organized gang—invaded the farm and launched a coordinated attack. Witnesses and victims, including several elderly residents, reported being brutally assaulted with crude weapons such as machetes and wooden clubs (rungus).
Local residents have voiced sharp criticism against law enforcement officers, specifically pointing fingers at the Kanunga Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS). Group representative Kimani Mwai questioned the neutrality of the local police, alleging that the OCS failed to intervene and appears to be acting against a court injunction that explicitly commands all parties to maintain the existing status quo until the ownership dispute is fully resolved.
In response to the accusations, the Kiambu security team—led by Sub-County Police Commander Elema Sora and Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCIO) Stephen Mutua—assured the public that the situation is being managed. Commander Sora highlighted the legal complexity of the matter, noting that law enforcement must navigate numerous conflicting court directives dating back to 1973.
To address the impasse, the security team has engaged the legal department of the National Police Service for guidance, while awaiting a key court ruling anticipated on November 18.
Meanwhile the residents report living in fear of further violence. They are appealing for enhanced police protection and maintain that they are only open to negotiating directly with the family of the late Chief Koinange.
