The government has announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Trans Mara East and South in Narok County, following violent clashes that have left at least seven people killed and more than 120 houses torched.
The Deputy Inspector Generals of Police, Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, in a statement on Saturday, December 20, also designated the areas as security-disturbed and dangerous.
The latest directives follow a security assessment conducted this morning, led by the two deputy police IGs in the company of other officials from the Ministry of Interior.
During their tour of the area, the two DIGs held a consultative meeting with the local leaders, elders, and community members in the pursuit of peace.
Reports suggest that the tribal clashes in Angata Barikkoi have displaced over 1,800 people in just three days, forcing families to seek shelter in schools, dispensaries, and open areas.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, children, women, and persons with disabilities are the most affected, with food stores destroyed by fire.
The most affected villages include Lolama, Kapkures, Rotik, Sach Angwan and Keringani, where several families have been displaced after their houses were burnt.
Addressing the press on Friday, December 19, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Aldi Hassan described the situation as grave, warning that the government would deal firmly with anyone fuelling the violence.
The clashes are reportedly linked to a long-standing land boundary overlap dispute, leaving property worth millions of shillings destroyed.
Angata Barikoi has for years experienced land disputes, community conflicts, banditry, and persistent insecurity.
In April this year, at least five residents were shot by police during protests over land surveying on the disputed 6,000-acre piece of land.
Following that incident, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, ordered the transfer of all senior officers in the area and directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct investigations.
