The government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Trans Mara East and Trans Mara South in Narok County after deadly clashes that have killed at least seven people and destroyed more than 120 homes.
The decision comes as authorities move to stop further violence and restore calm in areas hit by days of unrest.
In a statement issued on Saturday, December 20, the Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, declared the two areas security-disturbed and dangerous. The move followed a security review carried out earlier in the day by the two officers alongside officials from the Ministry of Interior.
During their visit, the police leadership met local leaders, elders, and residents in a bid to find lasting solutions and ease tensions. The consultations focused on ending the violence and addressing the concerns driving the clashes.
Reports from the area show that the fighting in Angata Barikoi has forced more than 1,800 people from their homes within three days. Many families are now sheltering in schools, health facilities, and open spaces after their houses were set ablaze.
The Kenya Red Cross Society said children, women, and persons with disabilities are bearing the brunt of the crisis, noting that food stores were destroyed in the fires. Several villages have been heavily affected, including Lolama, Kapkures, Rotik, Sach Angwan, and Keringani, where dozens of families have been displaced.
Speaking to the press on Friday, December 19, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Aldi Hassan warned that the situation remained serious and that those inciting violence would face firm action. He said, “The government will deal firmly with anyone fueling the violence.”
Authorities say the clashes are linked to a long-standing land boundary overlap dispute that has led to the destruction of property worth millions of shillings. Angata Barikoi has a history of land-related conflicts, community tension, banditry, and insecurity.
In April this year, at least five residents were shot by police during protests over the surveying of a disputed 6,000-acre piece of land. Following that incident, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered the transfer of all senior police officers in the area and directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to carry out investigations.
