Narok County Commissioner (CC), Kipkech Lotiatia, has told-off those spreading fake news over alleged skirmishes in Trans Mara South and West Sub-counties, confirming that the County was peaceful.
Speaking at his office in the presence of the County Security Team, Lotiatia blamed both the mainstream media and social media, for giving false information that has fueled tension in Enosein and Angata Barikoi areas.
Lotiatia reiterated that he has personally visited the Trans Mara area and held peace baraza with the residents of the affected areas, who confirmed to be living in peace.
“I have seen pictures in social media of people with arrow shots, alleged to be in parts of Narok. This is too shocking, as we have no police report or hospital report, where people have been shot with arrows. This is fake news,” he told journalists at his Office.
He warned the public against spreading unverified information, that could easily cause tension among the residents.
The CC who is barely a fortnight old in Narok County, however, confirmed that 27 people were arrested at Ongata Barikoi and Enosein areas, for holding a meeting with intention of causing war.
The people were armed with dangerous weapons including pangas, arrows and machetes. Security in the area has since been heightened, to avert any form of violence, said the Commissioner.
He encouraged residents to report incidents of land dispute or livestock theft to the relevant authority, so that action is taken, instead of causing war.
“We mobilized the Peace Committee to continue spreading peace messages among the residents. Security has been beefed-up in the area and we request residents to maintain calm,” he said.
The Region has in the past experienced skirmishes where residents disagree over land matters. However, the government established a General Service Unit (GSU) camp at Nkararo area in Trans Mara West Sub-county, that helped to curb cases of insecurity in the area.
By Ann Salaton
