The government has announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Trans Mara East and South sub-counties in Narok County following a surge in violent tribal clashes.
The clash, which occurred yesterday, left at least seven people dead and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes.
In his address to the press at Kilgoris on Saturday afternoon, Deputy Inspector General of police (DIG) Eliud Lagat announced that the curfew starts from 6 pm to 6 am, as the two regions are now considered disturbed areas.
The special operation is ongoing, including the heightening of patrols to help restore calm.
He noted that the situation in the two sub-counties remains volatile and additional security personnel have already been deployed to help restore peace and protect the lives and properties of the locals too.
Further, he called upon the locals to safeguard their peaceful coexistence and not be misled by rogue individuals, leaders or even groups that are out to create constant fights that derail their economic and social development.
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.
Lagat further directed that anyone with illegal weapons surrender them within 72 hours, warning that those who fail to adhere to this directive will face the wrath of the law.
This comes as the Kenya Red Cross reported that tribal clashes in Angata Barikkoi have displaced over 1,800 people in just three days.
Over decades now, the ethnic clashes between the residing communities in the two sub-counties have left several people dead and property destroyed, including the torching of homes; thus, there is a need for a lasting solution.
This directive comes a day after the Narok County governor, Patrick Ole Ntutu and Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, Dr. Aldi Hassan, appealed to the residents to live peacefully.
By Emily Kadzo
