A distressed family in Ang’ata Barrikoi area of Trans Mara in Narok County is appealing to state agencies and well-wishers to help trace their relative who went missing more than a week ago following events surrounding the burial of Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johanna Ng’eno.

Mr Johana Kiprono Langat, popularly known as Kamilan, a well-known community activist, reportedly disappeared on March 6, 2026, and efforts to locate him have so far proved futile, raising concern among his family members and residents.

His disappearance has sparked protests in the area, with locals demanding that the government launch thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the activist’s sudden disappearance.

Kamilan is widely recognised in the region for his strong advocacy on community land rights and for frequently speaking out on security matters affecting residents in the Trans Mara-Ang’ata Barrikoi region.

According to residents, the activist was last seen around the time of a condolence gathering at the rural home of the late MP Johanna Ng’eno ahead of his burial.

Reports indicate that Kamilan allegedly disappeared after a confrontation at the gathering, where tensions are said to have escalated due to political differences between him and supporters of the late legislator.

Witnesses claimed that the activist had been forced out of the event and allegedly beaten after disagreements arose during the gathering held three days before the burial. The altercation is believed to have stemmed from Kamilan’s outspoken criticism of the late MP in the past.

During the gathering, some political leaders urged residents to maintain peace and tolerance during the mourning period but warned those who had openly opposed the MP to stay away from funeral arrangements and burial ceremony on March 6.

Tensions reportedly heightened when former Elkerin Member of County Assembly Daniel Langat addressed the gathering and in his speech regarding individuals who had opposed the MP while he was alive.

“We must make it clear that those who opposed Ng’eno while alive are not welcome to be with us. You cannot have been openly fighting and besmirching his character, then suddenly turn up here to pretend to be grieving with us,” Langat said during the gathering.

Following the remarks, individuals believed to be aligned with Kamilan were allegedly asked to leave the event, while mourners confronted the activist over a viral video he is said to have posted on social media after the helicopter crash that killed the legislator.

Family members say they have been unable to reach Kamilan since then, raising serious concerns about his safety and whereabouts.

A relative, Ms Agnes Yegon, said attempts to contact the activist through his mobile phone have been unsuccessful, increasing anxiety among family members and residents.

She said the disappearance had caused significant distress and tension within the community, noting that such incidents undermine democratic ideals and freedom of expression.

“We marched to Mogondo Police Station and were informed that the missing person was not being held in their cells. It is important that the authorities tell the truth so that the family can know what happened,” said Yegon.

She urged residents to remain calm as they await investigations by relevant government authorities, warning that the issue could escalate tensions if not addressed promptly.

Another resident, Mr Kipkurui Birech, said efforts by family members and community leaders to establish the circumstances surrounding Kamilan’s disappearance have not yielded any meaningful responses from local administrators or security agencies.

Birech noted that the situation has deeply affected the activist’s family, particularly his wife who recently gave birth to a new-born child. He said the uncertainty surrounding Kamilan’s whereabouts has caused sleepless nights for the family.

“I appeal to anyone with information about our son’s whereabouts to come forward and inform us whether he is alive or dead. Our country is governed by the Constitution, and we do not understand why the family cannot be informed if he is being held somewhere,” he said.

According to family members, the activist’s children have also been traumatised by the situation and have refused to attend school due to the distress caused by their father’s disappearance.

Kamilan has in the past been involved in several legal cases related to land conflicts in the region. In late 2025, he was arraigned at the Nakuru Law Courts alongside a police officer and a former MCA over alleged involvement in Trans Mara skirmishes before being released on bond.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Emily Kadzo