A group of 194 police officers from Narok East County, abruptly transferred following a violent confrontation with herders, have been allowed to challenge the transfers in court. The Employment and Labour Relations Court  Judge Nduma Nderi, issued orders allowing the officers to seek judicial review to revoke the mass transfers.

The transfers followed a January 16, 2025, incident where 25 sheep were killed after being hit by a speeding Prado on the Narok-Kisii Highway. The accident provoked protests from the local community, leading to clashes with police. During the altercation, multiple officers were injured, including Inspector Sarah Wavinya, who suffered a leg fracture, and Police Constable Isaya Kagiri, whose left hand was severed by a Maasai sword.

The officers, stationed at Duka Moja and Ntulele police stations, claim the transfers were punitive and violated their rights. According to court documents filed by Member Charo through his lawyer Danstan Omari, the National Police Service Commission and the Inspector General of Police failed to follow due process.

“The transfers appear retaliatory and punitive, targeting officers perceived as problematic or vulnerable, contrary to principles of natural justice,” Charo argued in the court filings. Omari emphasized that the transfers breached police standing orders, which require officers to serve at least one year at their station before relocation. Many of the affected officers had served less than a month.

The abrupt transfers also caused significant disruption to the officers’ lives, particularly their children’s education, as some were forced to drop out of school. Additionally, the officers were not provided with relocation allowances or facilitation, leading to financial and logistical hardships.

Judge Nderi’s ruling grants the officers the right to seek judicial review orders prohibiting further arbitrary transfers without due process. Charo is also pushing for the state to provide counseling services for the affected officers, citing the trauma caused by the incident and its aftermath.

The January 16 protests erupted after community members blocked the Narok-Mai Mahiu Highway, demanding compensation for the killed sheep. Attempts by police to disperse the protesters using tear gas and blank ammunition escalated tensions, resulting in injuries and widespread unrest.

The court’s decision marks a significant step for the officers, providing an opportunity to challenge what they perceive as unfair treatment and restore stability to their lives.