Fragile peace in Transmara West as guns go silent, trauma fades away

Residents of Kirindon-Tarakwet-Esoit junction on the border of Transmara East and West sub-counties during a security meeting following conflict between two communities that left two people dead, on November 18, 2024. [FIle, Standard] For many residents of Nkararo-Enoretet in Transmara West sub county, peace has been elusive for months and, in some cases, years. The sound of gunshots, flying arrows, and wailing were all too common as insecurity crippled the area, prompting the government to allocate financial resources to combat the menace. Talala Kortum's family is still recovering from the tragic loss of their second-born son, Zakayo Talala, who was killed in 2021 during inter-clan clashes between the Siria and Uasin Gishu Maasai clans. For Kortum, Zakayo's memories remain deeply etched in his heart, and the pain is unbearable. "Any parent who gives birth hopes to raise their children, take them to school but I am not lucky. I am still mourning his loss," said Kortum. "He was shot and killed with an arrow," added Zakayo's mother, Everline Onolegusu. The family laments the loss of their son, who was set to join Form 2. Despite their grief, Olonegusu expressed relief that, for the past year, the area has enjoyed peace. "Our ears would always ring with the sound of gunfire and mourning. I never imagined that a time like this would come. The gunfire used to fill the air, but we hardly hear such now," she remarked. Olonegusu shared that they used to spend their nights in the bush with their children out of fear of attacks. David ole Shira from the Siria clan acknowledged the prevailing peace but emphasized that the government should disarm those in possession of illegal firearms. "There is peace, and we have not had a major attack since we returned," said Ole Shira. Francis ole Kimilisi, another resident, said that security has improved since the government deployed General Service Unit (GSU) officers to the area. The pain and trauma from years of conflict are slowly fading in Nkararo, allowing locals to move forward with their lives. Warring communities have begun to unite and farm together. Zakayo is not the only victim; many others have lost their lives in clashes that have plagued the two clans living along the Nkararo-Enoretet border. Some residents blame politicians for allegedly fueling the violence, but now assert that enough is enough. Narok Governor Patrick Keturet ole Ntutu praised the two warring Maasai clans-Siria and Iruasin Gishu-for maintaining peace. He said that violent incidents, which were previously the norm, have not been witnessed along the border. "We thank the residents of Nkararo-Enoretet for their commitment to peace, and I urge you to continue this spirit for the sake of unity and development," the governor said. Ntutu made the remarks during the handover of newly constructed GSU officers' quarters at Enooretet-Nkararo Operations Camp in Nkararo, Keyian Ward, Transmara South Subcounty. He was optimistic that the new quarters, equipped with high-power solar panels, a mess, and a borehole, will significantly enhance the living conditions for the officers, allowing them to dedicate more time to the crucial role of maintaining security. "My administration will now prioritise installing a secure perimeter fence around the camp," he said. County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia, a champion for peaceful coexistence between the two clans, encouraged them to continue coexisting, to allow development. He called for an end to skirmishes along the volatile border. The administrator appealed to local leaders to work together to eradicate the violence. In March, President William Ruto urged political leaders, elders, and clergy in Trans Mara South and West subcounties to come together and find a lasting solution to inter-clan clashes along the disputed 30-acre Nkararo-Enoretet border. The President emphasized that local leaders and elders are best suited to foster peace.

Fragile peace in Transmara West as guns go silent, trauma fades away

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