Government to Buy 1,500 Acres of Ang’ata Barakoi Land to End Long-Standing Community Dispute

The government has announced plans to purchase 1,500 acres of the disputed Ang’ata Barakoi land in an effort to resolve a long-running conflict between the Maasai and Kalenjin communities living along the Narok–Migori border.

William Ruto made the announcement on Friday, March 6, 2026, during the funeral service of the late Johanna Ngeno, the former Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr. 

The ceremony was held at Emurua Dikirr Primary School in Narok County, where hundreds of mourners had gathered to pay their final respects.

Speaking during the service, the President said the government had already set aside funds in the national budget to purchase the land.

According to him, the decision is meant to bring a lasting solution to the conflict that has troubled the area for many years.

The Ang’ata Barakoi land dispute has been a source of tension between members of the Maasai and Kalenjin communities, who both claim ownership and grazing rights over the area.

Over the years, the disagreement has occasionally led to confrontations, leaving local leaders and residents worried about the safety and stability of the region.

President Ruto said the government decided to intervene directly by buying the land so that the long-standing dispute can finally be settled peacefully.

He explained that once the land is acquired by the government, clear arrangements will be put in place to ensure fairness and prevent further conflict.

While addressing mourners in Swahili, the President assured residents that the move would bring an end to the struggle between the two communities.

“Serikali tumekubali kulipa hiyo shamba ya Ang’ata Barakoi ekari 1,500 ili sasa iwe yenu na ile kuvutana kati ya jamii ya Wamaasai na Wakalenjin tumetatua na sasa kila mtu ataishi kwa usalama. Hiyo shamba pia tumeweka kwa budget,” he said.

His remarks were welcomed by many residents who have long hoped for a permanent solution to the land dispute.

Community leaders present at the funeral said the government’s intervention could help restore trust and peaceful coexistence between the neighboring communities.

The Narok–Migori border area has historically experienced occasional tensions related to land ownership and grazing rights.

Leaders have repeatedly called on the national government to step in and help resolve the matter through dialogue and fair land arrangements.

By purchasing the 1,500 acres, the government hopes to remove the main source of disagreement and allow both communities to focus on development and peaceful living.

President Ruto also urged residents to maintain unity and avoid actions that could reignite conflict.

He emphasized that peace is necessary for the region to progress and for communities to benefit from government development programs.