This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
On August 4, 2020, an uneasy calm was restored in the clash-prone areas of Njoro and Molo after major security meetings were held by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya.
During the meetings, Natembeya announced an extension of the 6 pm to 7 am curfew imposed in Njoro and Molo sub-counties, stating that it would continue until peace had been restored.
“At least 201 houses have been burnt down and five people killed. This is uncalled for and shocking since you are all sub-tribes of the same community. There is no gain in war,” said Natembeya.
He urged the residents not to act based on propaganda spread by people with vested interests through the flare-ups.
“When the time for eviction comes it is I who shall come to announce here. It is not the responsibility of any community to evict the other, accusing them of encroaching the forest,” said Natembeya.
Peninah Kamuren, an elderly woman, broke down as she recalled how the clashes have left them in pain.
“We are your mothers. Why are you causing us this pain? I am crying because of your children. I have not slept for days as young children cry throughout the night. Some have fallen sick due to the cold,” said Kamuren.
At least five people were killed last week and over 80 others injured in the clashes pitting two sub-tribes of the Kalenjin community linked to cattle rustling and land issues.
“As a community, we believed that if one stole honey a curse would befall them. I am shocked to see children from our own wombs having lost the ideals to the extent of stealing livestock and fighting each other to death,” said Margaret Chepkemoi, an Ogiek elder.
Patrick Kimoi, a Kipsigis elder, expressed his disappointment that they have not known lasting peace in the past five years as the area keeps recording fresh flare-ups.
“We were settled here in 1994 and 1996. We are here legally and one people. As I approach my watershed years I am a worried man. Once my days are over it is clear I will be leaving my children in an unsafe place despite having acquired it legally,” said Kimoi.
