The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has raised alarm over escalating intercommunal and cross-border violence in several parts of the country, warning that the conflicts pose a serious threat to Kenya’s national peace and unity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission detailed deadly attacks in Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Narok, Turkana and parts of North Eastern Kenya, while calling for stronger security responses, sustained dialogue, and regional cooperation.
NCIC linked the surge in violence to the failed 2025 short rains season, which has intensified competition over scarce resources.
“The failed short rains season of 2025 has triggered a serious wave of intercommunal violence across Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Narok, and Turkana Counties, resulting in significant loss of life, property worth millions and displacement of many families,” the Commission said.
In Marsabit County, the Commission cited a deadly cross-border attack on January 13, 2026, when armed assailants from Ethiopia’s Hamar villages raided the Dasenach community in El-Anybura village, Illeret. The attack left six people dead, eight seriously injured, and more than 500 cattle and 200 goats stolen.
Although residents neutralised four attackers and security teams responded swiftly, NCIC warned that the incident “underscores the fragility of cross-border peace and necessitates sustained diplomatic engagement between the governments of Kenya and Ethiopia.”
Samburu County was hit two days later when armed bandits ambushed a livestock lorry travelling from Lolkuniyani Market to Isiolo, killing two people, injuring three others and stealing twelve cattle in broad daylight.
NCIC said the attack “severely disrupted commercial activities and undermined community security during routine market operations.”
In Tana River County, competition over land, water and grazing resources has resulted in eleven deaths and five injuries since December 22, 2025. The Commission expressed concern over “the formation of ethnic alliances that threaten to entrench divisions along ethnic lines and permanently fragment communities.”
Narok County’s Ang’ata Barikoi area remains volatile following renewed clashes between Kuria and Kipsigis communities, while sporadic attacks persist along Turkana’s Turkwel belt.
NCIC endorsed calls by religious leaders urging politicians to stop inflammatory remarks, especially as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The Commission also condemned a recent terrorist attack near Burabor in Mandera County and raised concern over tensions in Garissa following the fatal shooting of a civilian during a security operation, stressing the need for “professionalism and accountability among security forces.”
NCIC also condemned remarks attributed to Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama, terming them “ethnic contempt.” The Commission said statements suggesting discriminatory access to public resources violate constitutional values and demanded “an immediate and unequivocal apology,” noting that investigations have already commenced.
NCIC called on leaders at all levels to reject divisive rhetoric, promote dialogue, and uphold peace, insisting that “Kenya’s diversity constitutes our strength, and our shared humanity must prevail over division.”
