A high-level security meeting held at Kiango Market on Wednesday lauded ongoing peace efforts along the Kisii-Transmara border, confirming that normalcy had been restored after recent clashes. The meeting was attended by Nyanza Regional Commissioner Florence Mworoa and her Rift Valley counterpart, Abdi Hassan, alongside officials from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and peace committee members from both communities.
The clashes, triggered by a cattle theft incident, had resulted in three fatalities and the destruction of large sugarcane farms. However, concerted peace-building efforts by security teams and local leaders have led to a significant reduction in tensions.
“We came here to confirm that peace has indeed returned and that people have resumed their normal lives,” Hassan stated, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance in maintaining stability. Mworoa echoed his sentiments, expressing satisfaction that security teams had verified the restoration of peace in the area.
Liban Guyo, head of peacebuilding and reconciliation at NCIC, emphasized the need for sustained engagement to prevent further conflicts. “This area has enjoyed peace for the last 20 years, and we want to ensure that continues,” he noted.
The latest security meeting follows a prior gathering on Monday, chaired by Kisii County Commissioner William Bet and his Narok counterpart, Reuben Lotiatia. The meeting also saw the participation of Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Patrick Ole Ntutu (Narok), who jointly called for peace and unity among the affected communities.
By Tuesday, business had fully resumed at Nyamaiya Market in South Mugirango Constituency, where traders from both Kisii and Maasai communities were seen engaging peacefully. Similarly, at Nyangusu Market in Bomachoge Borabu, vendors conducted business as usual, while livestock transactions proceeded without incident at key border markets.
During the Monday peace meeting, political leaders pledged to promote harmony and address the underlying causes of the skirmishes. Residents expressed relief at the return to normalcy, with Kisii farmers beginning to assess damage to their farms.
The security teams and local leadership continue to urge communities to uphold peace and foster dialogue to prevent future conflicts.
