Two legislators have called for calm as clashes between youths continued for a third consecutive day along the volatile Kisii-Transmara border in the Kiango area.
On Tuesday,
security officers from Kisii and Narok counties held crucial meetings with
local leaders in an effort to restore peace following tribal clashes sparked by
alleged cattle theft.
Bomachoge Borabu Member of Parliament Obadia Barongo and his Kilgoris counterpart Julius Sunkuli have urged residents to embrace peace while security personnel work to address the root cause of the skirmishes.
At least two people have reportedly been killed, and dozens of others seriously injured since the violence erupted on Sunday.
The injured were taken to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) for treatment, with one victim said to be in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to arrow wounds.
“We urge our people to refrain from further confrontation with our neighbors so that we can give dialogue a chance,” Barongo said after a meeting in the Kiango area on Tuesday. “There is no need to compromise the peace and stability we have enjoyed for the last two decades over livestock theft.”
Sunkuli called on youths from both sides to lay down their weapons and allow elders to mediate for a lasting resolution.
“Let our
young people stop fighting and give the elders an opportunity to engage
constructively and address the root cause of the ongoing violence,” Sunkuli
said.
The MPs spoke after security meetings on Tuesday evening.
Security forces have deployed General Service Unit (GSU) officers to the affected areas to restore calm and prevent further clashes.
This is the first time in over 20 years that the volatile Transmara border has experienced clashes between the Kisii and Maasai communities.
The latest conflict was
reportedly triggered when two stolen cows from the Kisii side were allegedly
traced to Narok County.
Fighting erupted on Sunday and continued through Monday and Tuesday morning, with large sugarcane plantations reportedly set ablaze.
On Tuesday, security chiefs from both counties held separate meetings with key leaders from the two communities, including politicians, as part of ongoing efforts to find a lasting solution.
