Church leaders have strongly condemned the ongoing clashes between two communities in the Transmara area, Narok County, that have left at least seven dead and hundreds displaced from their homes.
They called for an immediate ceasefire and commitment to peace as the festive season approaches.
Led by Bishop David Kibali of the People’s Church, Nairobi diocese, the clergy urged warring communities to always embrace peaceful co-existence, challenging local leaders to restrain from utterances to the public that would fuel the tension but instead use words that will promote harmony.
Bishop Kibali was addressing congregants at The People’s Church in Narok during a Christmas cheer event aimed at spreading goodwill and hope to the faithful.
Reverend Queen Kimorgo said that the church was using the festive season to reach out to the less privileged members in the society by sharing food, clothing and other basic necessities.
She also took the opportunity to urge motorists to be extra cautious on the roads in a bid to avoid road accidents that are claiming the lives of many.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, announced that areas affected by the clashes will be under a dusk-to-dawn curfew as a measure to help calm the violence.
Lagat said that the affected areas, which include Trans Mara East and Trans Mara South sub-counties, are now considered disturbed areas and noting there will be intensified patrols until calm is restored.
Areas under curfew include Nkararu in Trans Mara West and Oldonyo-Orok, Siteti, Ololoma, Corner, Rafiki, Isokon, Kerinkani, Kondamet, Olkiloriti, Angata Barakoi, Kapkeres, Lolgorian town, Mashangwa and Sachangwan in Trans Mara South.
Those in possession of illegal firearms were also directed to surrender them within 72 hours, failure to which will result in them being dealt with in accordance to the law.
By Emily Kadzo
