One person was killed while two others left nursing serious injuries after two communities clashed in Olooruasi area in Narok South Sub County.
Speaking when he visited the embattled land Saturday, Narok County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti said chaos begun when a young man from the Kipsigis community stole his father’s cow and sold it to a Maasai man.
Later, when the father followed after his lost animal and found it in the hands of the Maasai man, he raised alarm that aroused his clan members who turned against the other community.
The situation caused tension in the area with both communities that have lived harmoniously for a long time turning against one another.
Kimiti lamented that the young man was killed while on his way to visit his family, after he was wounded with spears and died on the spot.
“It is unfortunate that the young man was on his way to visit his relative when he was attacked by four men with spears. He was not able to defend himself as he was not harmed and died on the spot,” said Kimiti.
He confirmed that one of those seriously injured was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment while another is fighting for his life at the Narok County Referral Hospital.
Kimiti decried that most of the people fighting were young school going men who are at home because of Covid-19 pandemic, whom he asked to engage in profitable jobs or risk being arrested.
“It is unfortunate that during this season when the whole world is fighting Covid-19, some young men are fighting and killing their neighbours, we will not allow this,” said Kimiti.
The county commissioner who was accompanied by his security team reiterated that a contingent of security officers had been deployed in the area to boost security.
“Our security officers will be looking for those people who scream aimlessly causing tension. We advise people to limit their movements and remain at home as advised by the department of Health to avert the spread of Covid—19,” said Kimiti.
At the same time, the county commissioner asked the residents to surrender all the illegal weapons in their possession or risk being forcefully disarmed.
“I am aware that there are some individuals with illegal guns. They should surrender all the weapons to their local chiefs immediately or we will forcefully disarm them and charge them in court of law,” said Kimiti.
The county commissioner directed chiefs and their assistants to take names of those planning violence and report them to his office so that they could be punished accordingly.
“We will not allow our people to die aimlessly because of few selfish people. Our work is to protect all residents and I promise you we will leave no stone unturned until there is a peaceful co-existence between the two communities living in the area,” said Kimiti.
By Ann Salaton
