Political leaders in Narok County have agreed to put their differences aside and campaign for a peaceful co-existence between two Maasai clans, residing at the volatile Nkararo area in Trans Mara West Sub-county.
Addressing the press after a closed door meeting with the local elders on Wednesday, the Narok Governor, Samuel Tunai and Kilgoris Member of Parliament (MP), Gideon Konchella, said they will spear-head peace meetings in the volatile land so that the two Maasai clans of Siria and Uasin Gishu can embrace one another.
Tunai who hails from the Siria clan condemned the recent skirmishes where tens of houses were burnt, saying this was unacceptable, as it would hinder the economic growth of the area.
“As one of the leaders in this County, I condemn what is happening in this area with the strongest terms possible. We do not want to see such ugly incidents happening here again,” he declared.
The Governor called on the elders from both clans to collaborate with the local security team in campaigning for a peaceful co-existence as elders were the icon of unity in the land.
“We know the elders have the ability to unite the two clans. We request them to speak to the young men and women from their clans and show them the importance of coming together for the sake of development and future generation,” he said.
Tunai lauded the National Government for boosting security in the area by deploying a multi-agency team to man the area so as to restore normalcy.
On his part, Konchella said they have engaged respected elders from the two clans who are instrumental in restoring peace.
Konchella who hails from the Uasin Gishu clan termed the recently imposed curfew by the government as one of the best ways of restoring peace in the area.
Meanwhile, the Narok County Commissioner (CC), Samuel Kimiti reiterated that the dawn to dusk curfew that begins from 4pm to 7am will continue until the residents surrender all the illegal weapons in their possession.
“The Government is proud to lead a law abiding citizens. We will not relent in this fight until we ensure that the two clans are at peace,” said Kimiti.
Nkararo area has been experiencing fracas since early 1970’s when the two Maasai clans living in the area differed over the rich agricultural land.
The clashes have continued up to date and has seen tens of people lose their lives among them prominent chiefs and security officers.
Despite the Department of Land putting a clear boundary to separate the two clans, the residents still battle each other and hardly will three months elapse without fresh conflicts being witnessed in the area.
A General Service Unit (GSU) camp erected in the area also seems not to be bearing much fruits as dozens of persons have been killed, tens injured while several houses burnt this year.
The disputed land is one of the richest agricultural zones in Narok County as it produces a lot of sugar cane used by Mara Sugar Industry in addition to tea, onions, bananas, maize and a variety of vegetables.
Early this month, fresh fracas erupted that prompted the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, George Natembeya, to visit the area during Good Friday where he extended the curfew hours.
He also sounded a warning to politicians deemed to be fueling the violence, saying they too will not be spared by the full force of the law.
“You are too foolish to accept to be incited by politicians who are nowhere when your children are dying. Its time you came back to your senses and started living as brothers and sisters,” said Natembeya.
By Ann Salaton
