It is not just about cattle rustling, but that one community wants to reclaim their ancestral land allegedly sold by their grandfathers.
An aggrieved community in the volatile Olposimoru area bordering Kuresoi South and Narok North sub-counties claims that the ongoing clashes that has revived animosity between the neighbouring communities is a deeper issue of land ownership masked under cattle rustling.
According to one resident (name withheld), their neighbours claim that the grandparents used un-procedural means to sell their ancestral land, but now want to reclaim it adding that the old men did not seek approval from the clansmen before disposal.
The flare-up has caused anguish and tension with many residents having their houses torched. Several efforts made earlier to resolve the conflict through elders of both communities were not successful.
Nonetheless, Rift Valley regional commissioner, George Natembeya warned against ethnic incitement saying troublemakers will be dealt with accordingly.
Natembeya noted that security personnel had already been deployed to the affected area and are combing through the villages. He said locals should allow for peaceful settlement to avoid any friction with the government.
Olenguruone sub-county medical superintendent, Dr. Solomon Bera said, one out of the six injured persons, who was in a critical condition was referred to Nakuru County hospital for further medical attention.
By Emily Kadzo
