During the meeting in Kiango on Monday, political leaders from both sides committed to fostering harmony and addressing the root causes of the skirmishes.
Security officers also vowed to take firm action against cattle thieves.
Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Patrick Ole Ntutu (Narok) attended the meeting, along with County Commissioners Kipkech Lotiatia and William Bett.
Other attendees included Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo, County Assembly Speakers Phillip Nyanumba (Kisii) and Davis Dikir (Narok), as well as elected MCAs from both regions.
Residents voiced their concerns during the meeting, emphasizing that cattle theft was only a symptom of deeper underlying issues fueling the conflict.
However, they agreed to work together to curb livestock theft, which has been blamed for the recent violence and destruction of property worth millions.
Governor Ole Ntutu urged residents along the border to coexist peacefully and resolve disputes through the established cross-border conflict management procedures.
He emphasized the importance of utilizing border security committees to handle cases of cattle theft to prevent escalation.
“We must follow due process whenever there is an issue
of cattle theft. The border security committees should be involved and given
the responsibility of tracking stolen livestock,” Ole Ntutu said.
“There should be no ultimatums demanding immediate return of stolen cattle, as tracking and recovering stolen livestock takes time,” he added.
Ole Ntutu also pointed out that other factors beyond cattle theft could be contributing to the violence.
“I was a District Officer (DO) in the past, and I can confidently say that we cannot solve these issues without addressing the root causes. It is unrealistic to believe that all this fighting was triggered by the theft of a single cow,” he noted.
Governor Arati echoed the call for peace, stressing that Kisii and Transmara residents must coexist peacefully as neighbors.
“It is time for this conflict to end. Our security officers must ensure that cattle theft is eradicated once and for all,” Arati said during the public baraza.
"Those thieves should be burnt but not killed so that the rest can learn from that.''
Arati further claimed that the violence was being fueled by individuals fighting for control over sugarcane farming in the region.
“I urge border committees to ensure that stolen cattle are returned and those responsible are held accountable,” he stated.
County Commissioners Lotiatia and Bett assured residents that security had been reinforced along the volatile border.
“We will take firm action against anyone inciting violence or mobilizing groups to attack their neighbors,” Lotiatia warned.
“We will work tirelessly to restore peace along this border. Residents must adhere to the proper procedures when reporting cases of cattle theft,” he added.
Commissioner Bett also urged Governor Arati to operationalize the Kiango Market as a means of fostering peaceful coexistence through trade.
“If we make this market fully functional, it will encourage business interactions that promote unity and good neighborliness,” Bett said.
Separately, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen held a meeting in Nairobi with a section of political leaders from Kisii and Transmara.
Attendees included National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango MP), Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli, Narok Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei, Kisii Woman Representative Doris Aburi, Bomachoge Chache MP Alfah Miruka, and Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba.
Murkomen affirmed that security personnel had been instructed to arrest anyone found carrying weapons or inciting violence in the area.
“I have also directed that all schools and health centers that were closed due to security concerns reopen immediately, with enhanced security measures to ensure safety,” he said.
