Eight injured in fresh clashes at Kisii-Transmara border over cattle theft

The long-standing conflict, driven by recurring livestock disputes, escalated into violence as rival groups engaged in battle using bows and arrows. In response, security agencies convened a crisis meeting on Monday with representatives from both factions in an effort to restore peace.

Tensions flared on Sunday when the confrontation left eight individuals wounded.

Eyewitnesses reported that violence broke out after a group allegedly crossed into a neighboring village to reclaim stolen livestock, leading to an all-out battle.

Cattle rustling remains a persistent source of conflict in the region.

The injured were rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), where they are receiving treatment for arrow wounds. According to hospital officials, one victim remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Ezekiel Okemwa, one of the victims of the clashes, urged leaders and residents to seek peaceful solutions to such disputes.

“Mi ni mmoja ya wale waliathirika na vurugu ya jana. Kama kuna shida imetokea mahali, viongozi na sisi wenyewe tujaribu kusuluhisha," he said. (I am one of those affected by yesterday’s violence. If there is a problem, our leaders and we as residents should try to resolve it.)

KTRH Chief Executive Officer Oimeke Mariita provided an update on the patients’ conditions.

“Four are admitted and scheduled for surgery, but fortunately they are stable. All of them have arrows lodged in various parts of their bodies,” Mariita stated.

The most critically injured patient underwent a six-hour surgery to remove an arrow lodged in his neck and remains in the ICU.

Amos Onderi, Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Bokimonge, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and addressing the root causes of the conflict.

“It’s important that we maintain peace so that we can get to the bottom of this. More importantly, we need to unravel the cause of this incident and identify the culprits, especially those involved in stealing the cattle,” Onderi said.

In an effort to restore calm, General Service Unit (GSU) officers have been deployed to the volatile Kisii-Transmara border. Security chiefs from both regions held a day-long crisis meeting with local leaders and residents, aiming to broker a lasting peace.

Frustrated residents are demanding a permanent solution to the recurring cattle rustling conflict, while authorities warn against mob justice and urge communities to pursue lawful resolutions.