Tension high as death toll rises in Nandi-Kisumu cattle theft clashes

A man outside a burning hut in clashes at the Kibigori-Chemase border that left three dead, January 08, 2016. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP.

Tension remains high in Kibigori at the border of Nandi and Kisumu counties after the toll of people killed following cattle theft reportedly rose to five.

Three people were killed on Friday evening after youths from either side clashed; Chemase and Kibigori areas were the worst hit; schools remain closed; pupils were advised to stay home as the fight between the Kalenjin and Luo youths escalated.

Youths wielding bows and arrows; slings, makeshift shields, machetes and spears are going about the sugar plantations in hunt for one another.

Residents of the area say the problem started on Friday mid-morning after youths from Kisumu went to recover some five animals that were stolen on Thursday night.

Police are at the scene.