Violence must be resolved, says Kipsigis council

Kipsigis elders have said political animosity involving local leaders is fuelling clashes between their community and the Maasai in Narok County.

During a meeting of Ololmasani Council of Elders at a shrine in Abosi, the elders expressed concern that clashes between the two communities were disrupting development in the region and called for a lasting solution.

"If there is politics... we want the MP (Johanna Ng'eno, Emurua Dikirr) and Narok Governor Samuel Tunai to sit down and tell us what needs to be done...

"Also, we want Isaac Ruto (Bomet governor) to leave us alone to sort out our own issues. He should stick to his county," said council chairman John arap Tonui.

In the recent past, more than a dozen people have been killed in clashes between the Maasai and the Kipsigis in Kimintet ward, Trans Mara West.

"Ideally, the governor performs his role just like the MP does his... we don't know why the animosity between Ng'eno and Tunai," said the elders

Emurua Dikirr is predominantly a Kipsigis area and Mr Ng'eno has been a strong critic of Mr Tunai's leadership.

"I am a farmer and that war has cost me a lot. And whenever there are reports of clashes, the politicians come here," said Kibet Kaptich, a local resident.

Other issues cited at the meeting as being behind the inter-community conflicts included cattle rustling and poverty.

The Kipsigis elders will meet with the Maasai Council of Elders in an effort to restore calm in the region.