Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed the arrest of anyone found carrying crude weapons along the volatile Kisii-Narok border in a bid to curb the ongoing inter-communal clashes, which have claimed four lives and left several others injured as of last week.
Speaking after meeting with leaders from the two communities, Murkomen also ordered the detention of individuals found guilty of inciting violence between the groups as part of the government’s efforts to restore order and promote reconciliation.
“The government is committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence and unity among all communities, as these are key pillars for economic development and national stability,” Murkomen emphasized.
The latest clashes, which erupted on March 4, led to the deaths of two people, with dozens suffering arrow wounds.
Authorities also reported widespread destruction, including the burning of tens of acres of sugarcane plantations.
Inter-communal clashes at Kisii-Narok border.
Additionally, Murkomen has instructed the immediate reopening of schools and health centers that had been closed due to the insecurity.
He assured the public that more security personnel would be deployed to the area to maintain peace.
The CS also announced plans to hold two peace-building meetings in the affected area on March 14 to begin the healing process.
Kisii and Maasai leaders meeting CS Murkomen.
The violence, which began as a result of cattle rustling along the Kisii-Transmara border, escalated when a group crossed into a neighbouring village to reclaim stolen livestock, triggering retaliatory attacks that further intensified the conflict.
