Chaos At Narok High Court As Residents Clash With Security Officers Over Murder Suspect
News Updated: 02 June 2026 20:19 EAT
Operations at the High Court in Narok were disrupted on Tuesday after violent scenes unfolded when a group of residents allegedly attempted to free a murder suspect from lawful custody, prompting a swift response from police and prison officers.
The chaos erupted shortly after the suspect, Matunke Mayone, was being escorted from the court premises following a court appearance. The court had directed that he undergo a mental assessment at Narok Referral Hospital before further proceedings in the murder case could continue.
Witnesses reported that a crowd of residents from the Majimoto area gathered outside the court and demanded the suspect's release. Tensions quickly escalated as some members of the group allegedly attempted to block prison warders from transporting him to the hospital.
Security officers responded by firing warning shots into the air and deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd after confrontations broke out within and around the court compound. Running battles ensued as officers struggled to regain control of the situation.
The disturbance caused panic among court users, judicial staff and members of the public, forcing some proceedings to be temporarily suspended. People were seen fleeing the area as tear gas filled sections of the court grounds.
During the confrontation, some protesters reportedly hurled stones at officers, while prison warders worked to secure the suspect and prevent any attempt to interfere with the transfer ordered by the court.
Mayone is under investigation in connection with the killing of Koinet Sankale, a case that authorities believe may be linked to a long-standing land dispute in the Maji Moto area of Narok South. The matter has attracted significant public interest and heightened tensions within sections of the local community.
Despite the unrest, security officers successfully retained custody of the suspect and completed the transfer for the medical assessment before returning him to remand custody. Authorities maintained a heavy security presence around the court premises following the incident.
Investigations have been launched into both the murder case and the violence that erupted at the court. Security agencies have warned that individuals involved in the alleged attempted rescue of the suspect or attacks on officers could face criminal charges.
The incident has raised concerns over growing tensions surrounding the high-profile murder case and the broader disputes believed to be connected to it, with authorities urging residents to remain calm and allow the judicial process to proceed without interference.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD