Over 30 houses torched, scores injured in fresh Trans Mara South clashes

More than 30 houses in Trans Mara South have been torched, and scores of people have been injured following fresh clashes.

Hundreds of residents have sought refuge in nearby schools as tensions escalate in a conflict reportedly instigated by a land dispute. The renewed clashes have so far left four people dead and property of unknown value destroyed.

Three days after relative calm returned to the larger Angata Barrikoi area, residents are once again on the run, fleeing for their lives.

On Tuesday morning, armed gangs reportedly laid an ambush at Lolama and Rotik villages, setting 30 houses ablaze.

“Sisi tumekuja shuke hapa na watoto na hakuna ata chakula ya kula. Tunateseka na watoto, naomba serikali tafadhali mfanye ata kutusaidia," said a resident Caren Mutai.

Another Rotik resident William Kirui added, “Wazazi wa hii watoto wamehama, saa hii wako kwa shule. Ata nikijaribu kwenda kuangalia, hawako kwa nyumba zao, wamewacha nyumba zao.”

The residents who claim legitimate ownership of the land say the fresh clashes have been sparked by an outstanding land dispute and have accused the political class of complacency in bringing an end to the dispute.

“Tulinunua shamba na tukalipa pesa, hauna mtu anatudai pesa yoyote na tukafuata sheria. Chief ako ata anajua sasa watu wanakuja kutuvamia kwa shamba letu. Sasa tuko njiani, tumewacha ata ngombe," said another resident Augustine Arap Kigen.

Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli on his part, said, "Tunataka kuona maaskari wakisimama hapa na kunyaganya watu. Bunduki zimejaa na kushika doria ili watu waache kuua wengine. Bila hivyo, hakuna amani hapa Kilgoris.”

Over the last three weeks, four people, including two minors, have allegedly been shot dead in the course of the intermittent clashes.