NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 31 – Tragic ethnic clashes along the Nakuru-Narok border have claimed the lives of five people, including a teenager, following a cattle-rustling incident in the Mau Forest Complex on Monday. The violence erupted after three herders were attacked by raiders who stole five cattle, resulting in the death of one herder and injuries to two others.
Narok County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti reported that the surviving herders sustained arrow wounds and narrowly escaped the attack. The incident triggered a retaliatory assault by the affected community, escalating tensions and leading to further deaths and injuries.
The area has a history of conflict among the Kikuyu, Kipsigis, Maasai, and Ogiek communities, often stemming from disputes over livestock, grazing land, and territorial boundaries. In 2018, similar clashes led to over 20 deaths, dozens of injuries, and extensive property damage, prompting authorities to impose curfews and restrict activities to prevent further violence.
To address ongoing tensions, the government previously prohibited the cultivation of tall crops in regions like Nessuit, Gongogeri, and Mariashoni to prevent disputes over grazing access.
In response to the recent clashes, additional General Service Unit (GSU) and Kenya Police Service officers have been deployed to restore order, while security personnel investigate the involvement of survivors who were present in the restricted forest area during the incident.
