The violence broke out on Tuesday after armed youths attacked homes in Llama and Rotik villages, setting houses and property on fire during confrontations linked to an unresolved land dispute that has troubled the area for years.
Families fled in panic as flames spread from one homestead to another, leaving many with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.
By nightfall, dozens of residents had abandoned their homes and sought safety at a nearby primary school, which has now been turned into a temporary shelter.
By nightfall, dozens of residents had abandoned their homes and sought safety at a nearby primary school, which has now been turned into a temporary shelter.
Children, women, and the elderly were seen sleeping in classrooms as community members tried to account for missing relatives and salvage what little they could.
Residents say fear remains high, with some villagers staying awake through the night to watch over the area.
Residents say fear remains high, with some villagers staying awake through the night to watch over the area.
According to locals, only children and older adults are allowed to rest, while younger men keep guard in case of further attacks.
“We do not want this conflict anymore,” said one resident sheltering at the school.
“We do not want this conflict anymore,” said one resident sheltering at the school.
“We are tired of tribal fights over land. Leaders must step in and help us find a lasting solution.”
Another displaced villager appealed to the government to act quickly, warning that the situation could worsen if security is not strengthened.
Another displaced villager appealed to the government to act quickly, warning that the situation could worsen if security is not strengthened.
“This school is now full of families running for their lives. We cannot continue living like this,” they said.
Local leaders have also raised concerns over the renewed violence. Kilgoris Member of Parliament Julius Sunkuli called on the Interior Ministry to intervene urgently and restore calm in the area. He urged residents to remain peaceful as authorities work to address the root cause of the conflict.
“I want the Interior Cabinet Secretary to come to Trans Mara and increase security,” Sunkuli said, adding that the dispute requires a permanent solution rather than temporary measures.
The latest clashes come barely weeks after tensions flared again in early December, during which four people were reportedly shot dead under unclear circumstances. That incident had already raised alarm over the fragile security situation in Angata Barikoi.
The area has a long history of land-related disputes, community rivalries, and recurring insecurity. In April 2025, protests erupted after government officials began surveying a disputed 6,000-acre piece of land. During those demonstrations, at least five residents were shot by police, sparking national outrage.
Following the April incident, the Inspector General of Police ordered the transfer of senior security officers stationed in the area and instructed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch investigations into the shootings.
President William Ruto and Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntuntu later held several meetings with local leaders, elders, and residents in an effort to calm tensions and chart a path toward peace. A General Service Unit (GSU) camp was also established to boost patrols and deter criminal activity.
However, residents say insecurity has persisted despite these efforts, with deep-rooted land grievances continuing to fuel violence and mistrust among communities.
Local leaders have also raised concerns over the renewed violence. Kilgoris Member of Parliament Julius Sunkuli called on the Interior Ministry to intervene urgently and restore calm in the area. He urged residents to remain peaceful as authorities work to address the root cause of the conflict.
“I want the Interior Cabinet Secretary to come to Trans Mara and increase security,” Sunkuli said, adding that the dispute requires a permanent solution rather than temporary measures.
The latest clashes come barely weeks after tensions flared again in early December, during which four people were reportedly shot dead under unclear circumstances. That incident had already raised alarm over the fragile security situation in Angata Barikoi.
The area has a long history of land-related disputes, community rivalries, and recurring insecurity. In April 2025, protests erupted after government officials began surveying a disputed 6,000-acre piece of land. During those demonstrations, at least five residents were shot by police, sparking national outrage.
Following the April incident, the Inspector General of Police ordered the transfer of senior security officers stationed in the area and instructed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch investigations into the shootings.
President William Ruto and Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntuntu later held several meetings with local leaders, elders, and residents in an effort to calm tensions and chart a path toward peace. A General Service Unit (GSU) camp was also established to boost patrols and deter criminal activity.
However, residents say insecurity has persisted despite these efforts, with deep-rooted land grievances continuing to fuel violence and mistrust among communities.
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