Houses torched as clashes mar Christmas celebrations in Narok

Members of neighbouring communities in Narok County are living in fear as tension sweeps through the villages following clashes that erupted on Christmas day with more than 20 houses reduced to ashes in retaliatory attacks.

Members of one community are said to have launched the attacks avenging the killing of two herders, who were shot dead on Wednesday, by unknown people suspected to be from the other community.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that two people were killed in the forest (Mau Narok) while another was feared to have succumbed to injuries at Tenwek Mission Hospital.

One person is fighting for his life at Olokurto health centre with arrow wounds. He was rushed to the facility with an arrow head still lodged in his arm.

The chaos exploded moments after a peace meeting at Olpusimoru trading centre addressed by Narok MP Moitalel ole Kenta, Narok County Commissioner Magu Mutindika, County police commandant Abdi Galgalo and area MCA Wilson ole Masikonte.

According to Mr Masikonte, after the meeting, a group of men attacked their neighbours in Olengape village and set more than 20 houses ablaze.
Residents claim there are no police officers in the area yet.

Kuresoi MP Zakayo Cheruyiot has condemned the clashes saying there is no grudge between the two communities.

The legislator blamed the police for dragging their feet after the first incident happened — when the two herders were shot dead on Wednesday night.

The MP claims forest rangers are behind the shooting.