Police in Bomet are investigating a violent land dispute that has stirred national outrage, where a woman was allegedly assaulted by a local chief.
The disturbing footage captured on video and now widely shared across social media platforms shows the woman, Joyce Sigei, trying to defend herself during what appears to be a long-standing family land conflict.
Moments later, she is seen being violently attacked, allegedly by the chief identified as Joseph Molel, and a group of individuals who had gathered to witness the land’s transfer.
Citizen TV visited Joyce at her home, where she remains visibly shaken following last Tuesday’s incident at the Morgor chief’s office in Chepalungu.
She recounts how the altercation began as her husband was allegedly being coerced into signing over their disputed land.
“I asked the chief, ‘Why are you doing this?’ My husband told me you refused to let me be involved. Then the chief came and slapped me. He ordered someone to bring a rope to tie my hands so they could proceed with the deal. Initially, the chief tried to put the rope around my neck, but when I resisted, he tied my hands instead,” said Joyce.
According to Joyce, the situation escalated quickly. With her hands bound, the group proceeded to draft a land transfer agreement for her husband to sign.
“When I grabbed that letter, everyone in the room turned on me and started beating me. Some reliable sources told me there was money involved — that’s why they were determined to finalise the deal,” Joyce noted.
In the aftermath, Joyce says she reported the incident at Chebunyo Police Station, but claims her complaint was dismissed without action.
“When I got there, a police officer chased me away. He said the chief had already reported that I had assaulted him. The officer told me to go home and wait for them to come and arrest me,” she added.
“We are not here to take sides in the land dispute itself. But what we are condemning as the Gender Department is the manner in which the woman was handled. The arrest procedure, as seen in that video, was completely unacceptable. We stand with Joyce and all women in Bomet in defending their human rights,” Pauline Korir said.
Edward Imbwaga added, “We are in the process of collecting statements from all involved. An inquiry file has been opened and will be forwarded to the ODPP for direction. Once guidance is given, appropriate action will follow immediately.”
Joyce is now demanding justice, saying her family has had long-standing tensions with the local chief over the contested land, and that this incident is just the latest chapter in a drawn-out struggle.
