26 May 2020 | 09:10 PM UTC
Kenya: Ethnic clashes kill six in Nakuru and Narok counties May 23-24
Ethnic clashes on the border of Narok and Nakuru counties kill six and wound 13 on May 23-24; further violent clashes are possible over the near term
Event
Ethnic clashes between the Kalenjin and Maasai communities in Nakuru and Narok counties resulted in six fatalities from Saturday, May 23, through to Sunday, May 24. Fighting reportedly began in Oloruasi and Ololoipangi villages (Nakuru county) on May 23 and Olpusimoru (Narok county) on May 24. At least 13 people were wounded in the violence, and houses were burned down leaving some families displaced. The fighting began after an incident involving stolen livestock occurred in Oloruasi village on Saturday. Police have arrested nine people in Kuresoi South sub-county over the clashes in Olpusimoru.
Further clashes are possible in the near term. Security forces were deployed to the scene on May 24 to deal with the situation and therefore a heightened security presence is to be anticipated as of Tuesday, May 26.
Context
Longstanding tensions have existed between ethnic Maasai and Kalenjin over land ownership in the Rif.
Advice
Individuals are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
