Kisii and Maasai leaders hold security meeting to end clashes! Leaders from the Kisii and Maasai communities met on Monday at the Kiango border to discuss ways of promoting peace and security following recent clashes that have resulted in the loss of three lives.
The leaders, including governors, members of parliament, county commissioners, and local representatives, pledged to work together to prevent further violence and address the root causes of the conflict.
Commitment to Peace and Security
The high-level meeting brought together Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, alongside County Commissioners Kipkech Lotiatia and William Bett. They were joined by elected officials, including Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo, County Assembly Speakers Phillip Nyanumba (Kisii) and Davis Dikir (Narok), and MCAs from both counties.
Kisii and Maasai leaders
Security officers present at the meeting vowed to take firm action against cattle thieves, whom they blamed for the recurrent tensions in the region.
Residents at the meeting raised concerns that while cattle theft is a trigger for violence, the conflict is rooted in deeper issues that need urgent attention. However, both communities agreed to cooperate in curbing livestock theft, which has been blamed for the recent destruction of property worth millions.
Governors Call for Long-Term Solutions
Governor Ole Ntutu urged residents to embrace peaceful coexistence and use the existing cross-border conflict resolution structures instead of resorting to violence.
“We must follow due process whenever there is an issue of cattle theft. The border security committees should be involved and given the responsibility of tracking stolen livestock,” he stated.
He cautioned against issuing ultimatums for the immediate return of stolen cattle, as such demands could escalate tensions.
Ole Ntutu also suggested that other factors beyond cattle theft could be fueling the violence.
“I was a District Officer (DO) in the past, and I can confidently say that we cannot solve these issues without addressing the root causes. It is unrealistic to believe that all this fighting was triggered by the theft of a single cow,” he added.
Governor Arati echoed these sentiments, stressing that Kisii and Transmara residents must embrace peace and unity.
“It is time for this conflict to end. Our security officers must ensure that cattle theft is eradicated once and for all,” Arati stated.
He controversially suggested that cattle thieves should be punished by burning but not killed, arguing that such extreme measures would deter others from engaging in theft.
Arati also claimed that sugarcane farming interests in the region were a contributing factor to the violence.
“I urge border committees to ensure that stolen cattle are returned and those responsible are held accountable,” he emphasized.
Security Reinforcement and Government Intervention
County Commissioners Lotiatia and Bett assured residents that security has been reinforced along the border to prevent further violence.
“We will take firm action against anyone inciting violence or mobilizing groups to attack their neighbors,” Lotiatia warned.
He emphasized the need for residents to follow legal procedures when reporting cases of cattle theft instead of resorting to retaliation.
Commissioner Bett also urged Governor Arati to operationalize the Kiango Market, noting that trade could be an effective tool in fostering peace.
“If we make this market fully functional, it will encourage business interactions that promote unity and good neighborliness,” Bett stated.
Interior CS Orders Crackdown on Violence
Separately, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen convened a meeting in Nairobi with political leaders from Kisii and Transmara to discuss further interventions.
Among those present were National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango MP), Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli, Narok Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei, Kisii Woman Representative Doris Aburi, Bomachoge Chache MP Alfah Miruka, and Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba.
Murkomen directed security agencies to arrest individuals found carrying weapons or inciting violence in the region.
“I have also directed that all schools and health centers that were closed due to security concerns reopen immediately, with enhanced security measures to ensure safety,” Murkomen stated.
The recent security meeting marked a significant step toward ending the long-standing border tensions between Kisii and Maasai communities. However, sustained efforts will be required to address the underlying economic and social issues fueling the conflict.
