Kisii: Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS), Kipchumba Murkomen, has urged the communities living in the Kiango area at the border of Narok and Kisii counties to foster peace in order to promote sustainable development. Speaking during an inter-border meeting at Kiango, CS Murkomen said the intercommunity clashes witnessed in the area one week ago were unfortunate because the two communities have been existing peacefully in the recent past.
According to Kenya News Agency, the clashes began after the theft of a cow, which resulted in one person dead and several others injured by arrows. Murkomen expressed sadness over the conflict, emphasizing that communities with ties through intermarriage and business should not be fighting among themselves. He revealed that discussions with local leaders have led to an agreement to work collaboratively to address the root causes of the conflict.
The CS highlighted that those responsible for the theft would face legal action to prevent repeat offenses. ‘If a cow is returned and the community members agree to live in peace, the same offender will go ahead and steal again. Therefore, I have instructed the security officers to arrest the thieves and see to it that they are taken to court to answer to the charges,’ he stated.
Murkomen also directed the security team to dismantle criminal gangs operating under the guise of offering protection to community members. He cautioned against the influence of political figures in forming gangs and promised enhanced security efforts to tackle the sale of illicit brews and drugs. ‘All our chiefs and police officers are under instructions to ensure that we get rid of all the drugs and illicit brew being sold in this area so that we protect the future generations,’ Murkomen said.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, supported the call for legal actions against crimes like cow theft, urging community members to report illicit activities to security agencies. Kisii Woman Representative, Dorice Aburi, encouraged local chiefs to lead in conflict resolution and advocated for a salary increase due to their crucial role in maintaining community stability.
Narok County’s Representative, Rebecca Tonkei, highlighted the detrimental effects of conflicts on women and families, noting that inter-marriages have bonded the communities, and clashes would damage these relationships. She urged for peace to enhance social unity and economic growth.
The meeting with CS Murkomen followed visits by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan and Nyanza counterpart Ms. Florence Mworoa, who aimed to promote cohesion among the communities. Earlier, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu convened with community members to discuss conflict causes and mitigation strategies.
