Kenya: Ethnic clashes reported in Olpusimoru (Narok county) July 27-29

Event

Ethnic clashes along the Narok-Nakuru county border resulted in at least two fatalities from Monday, July 27, to Wednesday, July 29. On Monday, a teenage boy herding cattle in the Olmariko area was shot and wounded by suspected cattle rustlers. This incident reportedly sparked clashes between the two communities in the area over the following days. The fighting reportedly escalated when one community had five cattle stolen and then retaliated by stealing 25 cattle from the other community. Media sources suggest that one person was killed on Tuesday, July 28, and three others were injured in clashes in Olpusimoru (Narok county). Continued fighting on Wednesday in Olpusimoru resulted in at least one other fatality. Multiple people have suffered injuries and 30 properties have been set alight during the confrontations.

Further clashes are possible in the near term. Security forces were deployed to the area in an attempt to calm tensions and a heightened security presence is likely in the coming days.  

Advice

Those in the area are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.