Police in Trans Mara South have arrested two individuals, including a local Member of County Assembly (MCA), over their alleged involvement in the ongoing violent clashes in Ang’ata Barrikoi.
Trans Mara sub-county Police Commander Erick Telewa confirmed security agencies apprehended two people, stating that the police are currently holding them at Lolgorian Police Station as investigations continue.
According to police, security agencies are actively pursuing two more people who evaded detention during a police operation conducted on Saturday evening.
Reports indicate that the situation in Ang’ata Barrikoi remains tense and volatile, with authorities reporting several people have passed away, aside from widespread destruction, following the skirmishes between two neighbouring communities.
"We are going to detain all the inciters, financiers, and criminals, regardless of their status in society, and take them to court. We have already detained some this morning," stated Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
As a result, more than 1,800 residents have been displaced by the violence, while at least 253 houses have been razed in what locals describe as coordinated attacks.
The scale of the destruction has raised concerns among security agencies and leaders, with fears that the conflict could escalate further if not contained.
Emurua Dikirr (Trans Mara East) Member of Parliament Johana Ngeno has called for the immediate disarmament of civilians following the tribal violence along the border of Lolgorian and Ang’ata Barrikoi wards.
Ngeno supposed that illegal firearms must be mopped up and urged that holders of licensed guns undergo fresh vetting to prevent weapons from being used to fuel communal violence.
The MP also called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to personally take charge of the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Speaking after visiting victims of the clashes who are receiving treatment at AGC Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Ngeno appealed to the Ministry of Lands to urgently address long-standing land disputes, which he claimed remain the root cause of recurring conflict in Trans Mara.
These developments followed a security briefing held on Saturday, where Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat declared Trans Mara South and parts of Trans Mara West as disturbed areas.
As part of the emergency response measures, a dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed to restore order and allow security agencies to conduct operations without interference.
