Okenyuri calls for calm as tensions rise along Kisii-Maasai border

Nominated Kisii Senator Essy Okenyuri has appealed for calm and dialogue between the Kisii and Maasai communities living along the Nyagenke border amid rising tensions and reports of violence that have left two people dead.

Speaking on Sunday, Okenyuri urged residents from both communities to reject violence and resolve their differences through dialogue, warning that continued confrontation could deepen divisions and disrupt the lives of families living along the border.

Okenyuri, who said she was born and raised in Bomachoge Borabu, described the border area as a place where the Kisii and Maasai communities have coexisted for generations.

“I come to you in peace,” she said, appealing to residents to avoid resorting to violence whenever disagreements arise.

She warned that violence would only create more suffering, leaving families broken and young people deprived of opportunities.

“Violence does not bring lasting solutions; it leaves behind broken families, lost opportunities, fear and wounds that can take generations to heal,” she said.

The senator questioned why communities that have lived together for generations should allow disagreements to degenerate into confrontation and bloodshed.

She called on elders, women, youth and local leaders from constituencies along the border to put down their weapons and embrace dialogue as the most sustainable way of resolving disputes.

“Let us choose dialogue over violence and understanding over confrontation,” she said.

Her appeal comes amid growing concern over tensions along the Kisii-Trans Mara border, with residents fearing that further clashes could threaten lives, disrupt livelihoods and undermine the longstanding social and economic ties between the communities.

Okenyuri also called on security agencies to remain vigilant and take measures to contain the situation before it escalates.

She expressed particular concern over the safety of children returning to school, saying they deserved to grow up and pursue their education in a peaceful and secure environment.

The senator urged authorities, community elders and other local leaders to intervene early and address grievances before they trigger further violence.

“Let Nyagenke become a border of friendship, not a border of bloodshed,” she said, calling for peace “for ourselves, for our children and for generations to come.”

Her message comes as leaders and residents increasingly call for restraint and dialogue to restore calm and protect the long-standing social and economic ties between communities living on both sides of the border.

At least two people have been killed in the latest chaos.