Cane farms torched as skirmishes escalate on troubled Kiango, Transmara border

Transmara West Bomachoge Borabu border in Kisii

Several sugarcane farms were set ablaze as fighting between waring Kisii and Masai youths escalated late Sunday at Kiango along Transmara West, Bomachoge Borabu border.

The loses were estimated to run into millions, officials said.
At least four people were reported to had suffered arrow injures as the two sides engaged in vicious skirmishes in the open fields and farms.
Tom Nyamasege, a resident, said at least six cane farms went up in smoke Saturday with several more torched Sunday.

“As we talk the fighting is still going on and police are having hectic time controlling the violence. We are hoping it would stanch by tomorrow,” Nyamasege said.

The fighting along the communal border was triggered Saturday dawn following a cattle theft incident on a Kiango homestead.

The men trailing the cattle said they ran into hostile mobs inside Transmara villages where hoof prints led them to during the night chase.

By Saturday morning, at least four youth from the Kisii side were reported to had suffered arrow injuries.

They were treated in various hospitals in Magena and Kisii over the week.

There was immediate confirmation of fatalities or injuries from Transmara West as the skirmishes intensified.

A joint security meeting was still going on by late Sunday as Deputy County Commissioners from the affected sub-counties tried to resolve the conflict.

Nyamasege said business along the restive border were affected causing huge losses to those who depend on farming to eke a living.

Kiango township remained deserted for the better part of Sunday as police patrolled the area.
Police said they had mobilized personnel to the area to quell the fighting.
The teams have been ordered there is stability in the area amid calls on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to visit there.
Cases of cattle rustling had reduced in the past years due to measures taken so far.