Police hunt for 31 suspects in renewed Trans Mara border clashes

Police are looking for at least 31 suspects after a fight broke out between two clans over the Nkararo-Enooretet border in Transmara West.

The suspects are said to have sustained injuries during the fight on Sunday.

County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti accused the injured individuals of instigating the border fight.

Mr Kimiti said most of them were shot with arrows while others suffered machete wounds. 

“Our investigations show the 31 who were injured sought treatment in neighbouring counties such as Nakuru, Bomet and Kisii for fear of being arrested,” Kimiti said.

“It is them who started the fight. We will arrest and arraign them.”

Two Maasai clans that live along the Nkararo-Enooretet border have been fighting over a two-acre piece of land.

Disputed land

According to authorities, the fight broke out after officers deployed to restore peace at the troubled border allowed a farmer to till the disputed land.

County Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Noor absolved the Government of blame, saying the officers acted on their own accord, adding that no one has authority to till the land.

“We were shocked that some of our officers decided to take sides in this dispute and ended up fanning conflict,” said Mr Noor.

Kimiti warned “powerful individuals” whom he said were financing youths to fight.

He said some of them were targeted by investigators. Kimiti revealed that a permanent GSU camp has been established at the Nkararo-Enooretet border to curb the violence.

The conflict between the two clans started in 1976, and has caused the deaths of several people and left many injured. 

A month ago, Government officials and local leaders met at the Narok County Commissioner’s office, in a meeting planned by Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, and agreed to create a new boundary.