Two killed, over 20 injured in renewed Transmara border clashes

Two people have died, and more than 20 others are nursing arrow wounds following renewed clashes along the Transmara border.

The violence, reportedly driven by escalating tensions over cattle rustling, has also led to the destruction of tens of acres of sugarcane plantations, which were set ablaze.

Despite a heavy security deployment, fear and uncertainty continue to grip the region.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Kisii-Transmara border was engulfed in flames as more than 20 acres of sugarcane were torched. This marks the fourth consecutive day of clashes in the area.

Despite the presence of a strong security contingent, some locals remain armed, raising concerns over further violence. However, community elders argue that the clashes were instigated by rogue elements rather than the alleged cattle rustling incident in which two cows were reportedly stolen and moved across the border.

“The stolen cows were not the cause of this conflict. When the cattle crossed over, leaders from both communities engaged in dialogue, and the issue was resolved. However, after that, a few rogue youths instigated new tensions,” said Daniel Koco, an elder from Shankoe.

Residents, however, dispute the elders’ claims and accuse them of failing to ensure the return of stolen livestock, which they say remains the primary cause of the conflict.

“If a cow worth Ksh.70,000 is stolen, we are given a replacement worth Ksh.35,000. All we want is peace, but we also demand that stolen livestock be returned, not substituted with lesser value ones,” said Abraham Isaboke, a resident of Kiango.

The heightened tension has forced the closure of schools in the area, as residents fear further escalation of the clashes.