30 Houses Burnt, Gangs Terrorize Village
In Trans Mara South, more than 30 homes have been set on fire, leaving many people injured amid fresh clashes.
As tensions rise over a land dispute, hundreds of residents have fled to nearby schools for safety. Tragically, the renewed violence has already claimed four lives and caused significant property damage, though the exact value remains unknown.
Just three days after a brief period of calm in the Angata Barrikoi area, residents are once again forced to flee for their lives. The short-lived sense of security that had given hope to families has been abruptly shattered by a fresh wave of violence.
On Tuesday morning, armed gangs reportedly attacked the villages of Lolama and Rotik. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as the assailants moved quickly, setting fire to homes. In total, about 30 houses were burned down, leaving dozens of families without shelter and forcing many to take refuge in nearby forests and open fields.
The sudden attack has left the local population terrified. Community leaders have urged the authorities to respond swiftly, warning that repeated attacks are destabilizing the area and putting civilians’ lives at risk.
Security forces have reportedly been deployed, but the remote location of the villages has made it difficult to contain the situation. Humanitarian agencies are preparing to offer emergency assistance, including food, water, medical care, and temporary shelter for the displaced families.
As residents of Angata Barrikoi try to cope with the latest violence, the uncertainty of their safety remains, and the hope for lasting peace in the region feels more distant than ever.
“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.
30 Houses Burnt, Gangs Terrorize Village
