Two injured in renewed clashes in Trans Mara

Two people were injured following renewed clashes between members of Kisii and Kipsigis communities at Olmemil location along the Narok-Kisii border.

Banana plantations were destroyed in the fight.

Security officers shot in the air several times to disperse the fighting groups who were armed with bows and arrows.

Trans Mara West Deputy County Commissioner Mericho Maina said members of the two communities have been engaging police in running battles since Saturday.

He said the fresh clashes were sparked by a botched cattle rustling incident.

“We will not be lenient on the cattle thieves,” he warned.

He issued a strong warning to the warring youths saying anyone caught with illegal arms will be arrested and prosecuted.

They have been engaging in retaliatory attacks in the past four months citing a border conflict and cattle rustling-related incidents.

One of the residents, Mr Elijah Nyaanga, said that they heard people screaming on Saturday. He later learnt that one his neighbours had been attacked.

“We suspect that the attackers had come for his cattle, but he resisted and called for help. They hit him with a club on his forehead,” he said.

He added that fighting ensued after it was said the attack was carried out by Kipsigis people.

The injured, Zablon Osoro and Lawrence Osoro, were rushed to Ramasha Dispensary for treatment.

The former sustained an arrow injury to his thigh.

Ikorongo Location Chief Franscis Omidi on Sunday urged the area residents to try and leave in harmony.

“The situation here is still volatile and we are calling on residents to cease hostility against each other,” he said.

Edited by Philip Momanyi