Fresh violence erupted along the Kisii-Transmara border, leaving eight people injured, one critically, following an alleged cattle theft. The long-standing feud between communities from Transmara West and Bomachoge Borabu escalated into an armed confrontation involving bows and arrows. The clashes occurred on Sunday when a group reportedly crossed into a neighboring village to recover stolen livestock, igniting a violent altercation. The incident prompted security agencies to convene a crisis meeting on Monday with local leaders to quell tensions and restore peace.
Victims Receive Emergency Treatment
The injured were rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), where they are receiving treatment for arrow wounds. According to KTRH CEO Oimeke Mariita, four individuals are stable but remain admitted for surgery to remove arrows lodged in their bodies.
“One patient had a six-hour surgery to remove an arrow embedded in his neck. He is currently in the ICU in critical condition,” Mariita confirmed.
Ezekiel Okemwa, one of the victims, urged leaders and residents to embrace dialogue and peaceful solutions.
“I am one of those affected by yesterday’s violence. If there’s a problem, our leaders and we as residents must come together to resolve it,” he said.
Calls for Peace and Accountability
Bokimonge MCA Amos Onderi called for calm while emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict.
“It’s crucial that we maintain peace to investigate the incident thoroughly. We need to identify and hold accountable those responsible, especially those involved in cattle theft,” Onderi stated.
Cattle rustling remains a persistent source of tension in the region, with disputes frequently escalating into violent confrontations.
Security Agencies Take Action
To prevent further clashes, General Service Unit (GSU) officers have been deployed to the border. Security officials from Kisii and Transmara held a day-long meeting with community leaders to mediate and seek a lasting resolution.
Residents, frustrated by recurring violence, are demanding permanent solutions to the cattle rustling problem. Authorities, however, have cautioned against mob justice and urged the communities to rely on legal mechanisms for conflict resolution.
The security forces have assured residents of heightened vigilance to prevent future incidents.
A Community’s Plea for Peace
As tensions simmer, both local leaders and affected residents have stressed the urgent need for dialogue and long-term measures to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict. The hope remains for a peaceful coexistence between the two communities, but the path forward will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
