Tension high as fresh clashes erupt at Kakamega-Nandi border

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Tension is high at Kuvasali village along the border with Kakamega and Nandi counties following fresh clashes between the Luhya and Nandi communities.

The violence, which broke up at 9am has seen over 20 houses burnt, animals killed and plantations torched by attackers.

The Nandi community is alleged to be on a revenge mission following the release of three murder suspects who killed one of their own in a land dispute.

Thousands of residents are fleeing their homes following the attacks, with perpetrators using arrows to force away residents from their homes.

They have also blocked the road leading to the village leaving residents with no option of getting to safer grounds.

Children and women are the most affected as they have not had any meal since morning for fearing for their lives.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said they had no control over the Judiciary, which acquitted the suspects, but appealed to locals to live in peace and harmony along the border.

No control

"We have no control over the Judiciary as it is independent of other arms of Government. Therefore, it is the courts which can tell us under what circumstances the three suspects were released. I appeal to locals to live in peace as they have been staying in the past and stop fighting one another," Oparanya said.

At the same time, there is anxiety at Arabal in Baringo County after bandits attacked and shot dead a middle-aged man and his son while they were travelling to Marigat town on Sunday evening.

Residents said the father and his two children were travelling to Marigat when they were ambushed by bandits.

Area OCPD Otulia Kaunya said police were probing the incident and urged residents to stay calm.

-Reports by Grace Wekesa, Alex Wakhisi and Robert Kiplagat