Tension high after two killed in Transmara inter-clan land row

GSU officers have been deployed in the area after two people were reportedly killed on Thursday. [File, Standard]

Tension is high in Transmara East sub-county after two people were killed in renewed inter-clan clashes over Nkararo land boundary row.

Security has been beefed up in the area following the incident said to have led to renewed rivalry between members of Siria and Uasin Gishu Maasai clans fighting over Nkararo-Enooretet border.

According to authorities, the clans are fighting over a two-acre parcel of land located at the border.

Area County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti could not deny or confirm the deaths but admitted there was tension in the area and officers have been deployed.

"What I know is that there was tension in the area following suspicions between members of the two clans," said Kimiti.

The administrator said the operations to calm down the two groups were being led by the area Deputy County Commissioner Hassan Noor.

The boundary issue has been recurring and authorities have made efforts to resolve the matter in vain.

Last month, the government pledged to establish the boundary but the matter was halted after the decision heightened emotions.

A fortnight ago, 54 people suspected to have instigated the inter-clan violence that left 15 injured in July were arrested by police and later released.

Following the incident, the county security team convened an urgent security meeting in a bid to restore peace in the clash-prone area.

Among the 54 arrested included chiefs and their assistants in connection with the skirmishes.

 The two were reportedly killed between Wednesday and Thursday following a fight.

The Siria and the Uasin Gishu border has been a hotspot for a long time. It has brewed hatred among the two clans which now seem to have reached a tipping point.

The government had intervened and the two communities agreed that land adjudication officials and the county land registrar should identify the boundaries and erect beacons in the presence of eight local leaders, four from each side.