Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet on Friday announced that authorities had identified politicians believed to be inciting residents following deadly clashes in Narok and Marsabit counties.
Speaking a few hours after two people were killed and 10 others seriously wounded with arrow shots in retaliatory attacks in Narok, Boinnet ordered for investigations into the politicians involved with a view to arresting them.
"I have received very disturbing information to the effect that whilst the county security teams in Marsabit and Narok counties are working hard to contain the violence between some communities in the said counties,some identified politicians are undermining these efforts by inciting their supporters to escalate the fighting.
"I have ordered thorough investigations into their conduct with a view to arresting and charging them in court, in the event they are found in breach of any law," his statement read in part.
In Narok, clashes pitting members of the Maasai and Kipsigis communities started after the murder of a hersdman in Nkoben, Maasai Mau forest.
In the latest retaliatory attack, 60 houses were reduced to ashes by the assailants.
Police were forced to use teargas to disperse members of one of the communities as they sought to torch more houses even after holding a peace baraza.
“I have lived here for over 15 years and have never had quarrels or disagreement with anyone, but today I am shocked to see my shop reduced into ashes as I watched from a distance,” shop owner Hillary Lang'at told Standard.
Such clashes were last witnessed in 2015 at Olposimoru near Maasai Mau forest.
At the time, two herders had also been shot by unknown people.
In Marsabit, Borana and Gabra commmunity leaders are accused of coordinating the supply of arms to be used in the clashes.
