Gov’t imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew in Trans Mara amid deadly clashes
The government announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Trans Mara East and South in Narok County, following violent clashes that have left at least seven people killed and more than 120 houses torched.
Many others have been displaced in the clashes.
The Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police, Eliud Lagat and his Administration Police counterpart Gilbert Masengeli said Saturday, December 20, also designated the areas as security-disturbed and dangerous.
Lagat noted that the curfew starts from 6pm as the two regions are now considered disturbed areas and a special operation is ongoing to restore calm.
Tribal clashes have been witnessed in the said regions leading to the death of civilians and displacement of thousands.
The areas expected to observe the curfew include Nkararu in Trans Mara west.
In Trans Mara South, areas of Oldonyo-Orok, Siteti, Ololoma, Corner, Ratiki, Isokon, Kerinkani, Kondamet, Olkiloriti, Angata Barakoi, Kapkeres, Lolgorian town, Mashangwa, Sachangwan will observe the curfew.
Lagat further instructed all criminals with illegal guns have been given 72 hours to surrender the weapons lest appropriate action be taken.
This comes as the Kenya Red Cross reported that tribal clashes in Angata Barikkoi have displaced over 1,800 people in just three days.
The clashes between the Masai and Kipsigis communities have left several people dead and property destroyed, including the torching of homes.
Lagat had urged the two communities to co-exist peacefully, warning politicians and individuals inciting and financing the recent fighting between two communities.
The latest directives follow a security assessment conducted this morning, led by the two deputy police IGs in the company of other officials from the Ministry of Interior.
During their tour of the area, the two DIGs held a consultative meeting with the local leaders, elders, and community members in the pursuit of peace.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, children, women, and persons with disabilities are the most affected, with food stores destroyed by fire.
The most affected villages include Lolama, Kapkures, Rotik, Sach Angwan and Keringani, where several families have been displaced after their houses were burnt.
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Aldi Hassan described the situation as grave, warning that the government would deal firmly with anyone fuelling the violence.
The clashes are reportedly linked to a long-standing land boundary overlap dispute, leaving property worth millions of shillings destroyed.
Angata Barikoi has for years experienced land disputes, community conflicts, banditry, and persistent insecurity.
In April this year, at least five residents were shot by police during protests over land surveying on the disputed 6,000-acre piece of land.