By Beauttah Omanga and Vincent Mabatuk

Tension remained high along the border of two Kalenjin communities, which are fighting over cattle.

The Tugen and Pokot communities are feuding over cattle theft, with raids having increased in past weeks.

Reports indicated more residents from either side of the border were fleeing their homes. Rift Valley PC Osman Warfa on Monday chaired a meeting to deliberate on the best way to solve the standoff.

The meeting was attended by two MPs from the affected sides, William Cheptumo and Asman Kamama. 

 lost faith

 Baringo Kenya National Union of Teachers branch executive secretary Charles Kamuren on Monday called for deployment of the army to affected region saying locals have lost faith in regular and Administration Police.

“The situation is getting worse each day with more lives being lost and cattle stolen by armed raiders,” said Kamuren. He noted over 1,000 learners in seven primary schools were currently out of the institutions because of tension.

“The Government must guarantee pupils and teachers security. Education is a constitutional right. Children cannot access schools due to on-going trouble,” said Kamuren.

Last week, the PC promised to have more security personnel deployed in volatile areas but ruled out arming locals as demanded by some leaders.

Baringo County governor aspirant Simon Chelugui said continued hostility between Tugen and Pokot communities has affected development.

“We need to cultivate harmony among residents so that development can take place,” he said.

 faster development

The ongoing conflict is said to have started with delimitation of boundaries, with both communities claiming ownership of some areas.

But the Government points out that the conflict was as a result of cattle rustling.

Chelugui said the two communities should co-exist in harmony and resolve their differences amicably since they share the same county.

“They should share the available resources equitably to realise faster development,” he said.

He called on political leaders, members of the clergy and elders to lead a crusade to ensure the two communities foster peace.