The government has vowed to take firm action against political leaders, individuals and groups blamed for perpetuating violence among communities living along the Kisii-Narok border.
Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia and his Kisii counterpart, James Kamau, said the government would not tolerate individuals or groups whose actions threaten peace and undermine development in the region.
The administrators spoke on Monday during an emergency security meeting at Nyabitunwa along the Kisii-Narok border, following an incident in which two people were killed and several others injured after fresh clashes erupted along the Kisii-Transmara border on Sunday.
The violence left farms and businesses affected, with several properties reportedly torched as confrontations between groups of youths from the neighbouring communities spread to different points along the boundary.
Lotiatia said security officers must ensure peace is restored in the affected areas, warning residents against possessing weapons, engaging in incitement or participating in criminal activities.
He urged the youth and members of the affected communities to maintain peace and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.
The administrator called on the warring sides to embrace dialogue, abandon revenge and lay down their weapons, noting that continued violence would only worsen the situation and undermine the livelihoods of residents.
The latest clashes disrupted transport, trade and other essential services across the border, with residents calling for increased security to prevent further violence and restore normalcy.
Lotiatia affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening security at the grassroots level and directed security personnel to apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities and dismantle criminal gangs operating in the area.
He also directed chiefs to move with speed to address the sale and consumption of illicit alcoholic drinks and drugs, which he said were undermining the future of young people and contributing to insecurity along the borderline.
The county commissioner urged local leaders, parents and community elders to work closely with security agencies in identifying individuals involved in incitement and preventing young people from being drawn into violence.
The leaders attending the meeting rallied residents to coexist peacefully, noting that communities living along the border had enjoyed relatively peaceful relations for more than two decades.
The violence involved groups of youths from Kisii and Transmara, with confrontations reported at several points along the boundary. Farms were set on fire during the clashes, while crops, businesses and other property were also affected.
The fighting also disrupted Sunday worship activities in some areas as residents stayed indoors amid fears of further attacks.
Lotiatia expressed regret that the violence had affected farmers and traders who depend on the border area for their livelihoods.
He warned that anyone found in possession of a weapon would face the law and disclosed that suspected inciters were being investigated.
“As security officers, we must ensure peace has returned to this area,” Lotiatia said.
The conflict is reportedly linked to a dispute involving two youths from neighbouring communities who were allegedly fighting over a woman at a local drinking establishment in Nyabitunwa. The incident later escalated into wider confrontations involving groups from the two communities.
Kisii County Commissioner said authorities had identified some of the individuals believed to be behind the violence and were taking action against them.
“We have investigated—and are continuing to investigate—and have established that there are agitators on both sides. Why don’t you restrain those young people? What is being stirred up here is not good and is completely inappropriate,” Kamau said.
He urged parents and community leaders to take responsibility for restraining youths and helping to prevent further confrontations.
Kamau assured residents that security teams had been deployed to several areas along the boundary as authorities worked to contain the situation and restore calm.
He said the government would continue monitoring the area and take appropriate action against individuals found to be promoting violence or inciting communities against each other.
Elder Julius Ole Kilusu said community elders were ready to engage the youth and seek a peaceful solution to the conflict.
“When we speak with the youth, they will hear what we say here and endorse it,” Kilusu said.
He called on elders and community leaders to use their influence to encourage young people to resolve disagreements peacefully rather than resorting to violence.
Residents also called for increased security along the border, particularly as schools prepare to reopen for the third term, saying a peaceful environment was necessary to protect learners and enable families to resume normal activities.
Kilusu said the solution to the conflict lay not in revenge but in dialogue, appealing to the two warring communities to lay down their weapons and restore the peace that had characterised their coexistence for years.
Another elder, Julius Matongori, called on leaders to take a leading role in promoting peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities.
Matongori said insecurity remained one of the greatest impediments to development, warning that violence undermines economic activities, destroys livelihoods and weakens relations among communities.
“Elders play an integral part in uniting communities. Regrettably, they can also destabilize relationships and destroy the same communities. I appeal to you to always weigh your words before uttering them,” he said.
He urged political and opinion leaders to stop whipping up emotions, noting that communities often listen to their leaders and may act on their messages without questioning the motives behind them.
Matongori said a lasting solution must be found to the recurring violence along the border, warning that a war of words would only escalate an already volatile situation.
He called for responsible civic engagement and greater cooperation among leaders, elders, security agencies and residents to address the underlying causes of conflict.
“A healthy and robust civic engagement is essential for inclusive development. Real transformational change in the lives and livelihoods of our communities can only be achieved when we are united,” he stated.
By Emily Kadzo
