One Month on, Transmara clashes leave trail of destruction and displacement

‎Lolgorian Ward MCA Michael Seme (centre) with co-accused Peter Kiplagat (left) and Neke Siteto at the Nakuru Law Courts after their arraignment over the deadly Trans Mara clashes, where Senior Principal Magistrate Vincent Adet granted each a Sh500,000 bond after rejecting a DCI request to have them detained, on December 23, 2025. ‎[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

It has been a month since communal clashes erupted between the Kipsigis and Siria communities in Transmara South, Narok County, yet residents continue to grapple with the devastating aftermath.

Hundreds of families were displaced at the height of the violence and are now sheltering in schools, including Sitet Primary School, which lies on the border of Lolgorian and Ang’ata Barikoi wards.

Agness Mabwai, one of the victims, recalls the terrifying moments when the clashes broke out. She says she was preparing food for children undergoing initiation rites when attackers struck. Her house was torched, destroying food supplies and valuable cultural artefacts. Mabwai has since sought refuge at Sitet Primary School and is appealing to the government for urgent assistance.

Another resident, Ziphora Lasoi, is still coming to terms with the loss of her home and crops. She says the destruction of her maize farm and shelter has left her in despair, forcing her to depend on well-wishers for survival.

Naomy Maritim, who is also living at the school, describes dire conditions at the makeshift camp, particularly for expectant mothers. She says access to medical services remains limited due to insecurity, with some women reportedly forced to give birth at home for fear of venturing out.

David Kosgey, a resident of Lolama village, links the conflict to a long-standing land dispute. He claims his community legally purchased the land and is now calling on the government to intervene and provide a lasting solution to prevent further bloodshed.

The situation remains tense, with displaced families appealing for peace, enhanced security, and sustained humanitarian support to address the growing crisis.

On Wednesday, the Kenya Red Cross visited Sitet Primary School to assess the situation and offer relief. The team, led by South Rift Regional Head Felix Maiyo and County Coordinator Soila Sankale, distributed essential supplies in a bid to ease the suffering of families affected by the clashes.

The government has since issued a seven-day ultimatum to residents in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen ordered residents of Transmara South to hand over all illegal weapons as the government intensifies efforts to curb insecurity in the region.

Speaking during a security meeting held at Sitet Primary School in Ang’ata Barikoi Ward, Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability, warning that tough action would be taken against anyone found in possession of illegal firearms after the deadline.

So far, security agencies have recovered five firearms — one G3 rifle, three AK-47 rifles, and one homemade gun — alongside 14 rounds of ammunition.

The CS announced that coordinated security operations will be conducted across four sub-counties — Kilgoris, Emurua Dikirr, Kuria East, and Kuria West — as part of a wider crackdown on armed criminal activity.

Murkomen further revealed that detectives are investigating individuals suspected of involvement in the illicit arms trade, warning that those found culpable will face severe legal consequences. He cautioned residents against carrying illegal weapons of any kind, including traditional weapons such as arrows.

In addition, Murkomen directed Kenya Wildlife Service officers to carry firearms strictly within designated wildlife reserves, stressing adherence to operational protocols.

He also issued a stern warning to police officers against handing over firearms to civilians, stating that any officer found doing so will be arrested and subjected to immediate disciplinary action.

The CS added that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute individuals believed to be fuelling violence and insecurity in the region.