Families in the cold as Olposimoru clashes escalate

One of the houses burnt in renewed clashes between two communities in Olposimoru, Narok County, on September 24, 2018. PHOTO | AYUB MUIYURO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Dozens of houses were torched in retaliatory attacks triggered by a cattle rustling incident in the area.
  • Narok County Commissioner George Natembeya led a security team to the area ground in a bid to quell tension.
  • At least 21 people are nursing arrow and machete injuries in Tenwek, Olenguruone and other health facilities in Narok County.

At least 30 families spent Sunday night in the cold after their houses were razed following fresh tribal clashes between two communities in Narok County.

The families camped at the Olposimoru Police Station and Olposimoru Primary School after they fled their homes.

Dozens of houses were torched in retaliatory attacks triggered by a cattle rustling incident in the area.

The families now want the government, through the local administration and concerned parties, to move in with speed and quell the clashes that have caused displacement, tension and anguish among them.

An Administration Police officer injured in the Olpusimoru clashes receives treatment at Olenguruone Sub-County Hospital on September 24, 2018. PHOTO | AYUB MUIYURO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

NOT EATEN

“My family, including our young children, spent the night in the cold because we had nowhere to go to after our homes were burnt down. We have not eaten anything since last night. I call upon the government to intervene and help restore calm,” said James Kuyo, a resident.

Narok County Commissioner George Natembeya, accompanied by high-level regional security teams from both Narok and Nakuru counties, is on the ground in a bid to quell tension in the area.

Mr Natembeya said that the government has deployed enough officers from the regular police, the General Service Unit and the Administration Police.

An AP officer injured in the Olpusimoru clashes is assisted as he arrives at Olenguruone Sub-County Hospital on September 24, 2018 for treatment. PHOTO | AYUB MUIYURO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

CALM RESTORED

“Security officers have managed to restore calm and progress is being made. We are calling for a ceasefire between the two communities so that police can carry out investigations on the cause of the clashes. We have enough security officers on the ground and anybody found to have incited residents will be charged in court,” said Mr Natembeya.

About 200 security officers have been deployed to the area.

At least 21 people are nursing arrow and machete injuries in Tenwek, Olenguruone and other health facilities in Narok County.

Five of those seriously injured in the attacks are being treated at the Tenwek Mission Hospital and the Narok County Referral Hospital.

One other patient was treated at the Molo Sub-County Hospital before being referred to the Nakuru Level Five Hospital.

Kuresoi South MP Joseph Tonui condemned the clashes, saying there is no grudge between the two communities living in Olposimoru.

“I urge the residents of the affected areas to demonstrate tolerance and peaceful co-existence in order to calm the tensions,” said Mr Tonui.

A doctor at Olenguruone Sub-County Hospital in Nakuru attends to a victim of the Olpusimoru clashes on September 24, 2018. PHOTO | AYUB MUIYURO | NATION MEDIA GROUP