Residents of Transmara South, Narok County, are demanding a lasting solution to persistent insecurity and communal conflicts that have continued to disrupt lives in the region.
The clashes, largely linked to cattle theft and boundary disputes, have claimed lives, displaced families and interfered with learning activities in several schools.
Led by local residents Ann Soi and Mary Kirui, the community said fear and uncertainty have become part of daily life due to frequent attacks by armed raiders.
“We are living in constant fear because attacks happen unexpectedly. Some families have already fled their homes for safety,” said Ann Soi.
Mary Kirui questioned why cattle theft continues unabated despite the presence of several security installations in the area.
“We do not understand how armed criminals continue to terrorise residents, yet there are many security officers stationed here. The government must address the root causes of these conflicts once and for all,” she said.
Residents alleged that most of the attackers come from a neighbouring county and are often armed with rifles, making it difficult for locals to defend themselves.
The insecurity has also had a major impact on education, with schools recording low attendance as parents fear for the safety of their children.
Among institutions affected are Oldonyo-Orok School, Siteti School, Ololoma School, Lolgorian School and Ngendalel School.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers has appealed for urgent intervention, stressing that education should not suffer because of insecurity.
“Children have a right to education, and learning should continue uninterrupted. Authorities must restore peace and guarantee safety for both learners and teachers,” a KNUT official said.
A spot check in several schools indicated that attendance has significantly dropped following repeated skirmishes in the region.
The latest incident occurred on Tuesday when armed bandits staged a daring daylight raid in Kaituro village near the Kenya-Tanzania border.
According to residents, the attackers emerged from nearby thickets and stole more than 130 head of cattle, leaving panic and confusion in their wake.
At least 25 families were directly affected during the raid, with residents reporting hearing gunshots as the heavily armed raiders drove away the livestock.
“We watched helplessly as the bandits took away our animals. Many families depended entirely on those cattle for survival,” said one resident during protests staged after the attack.
The residents later held demonstrations demanding the immediate recovery of the stolen livestock and improved security measures in the region.
Police have since launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects, and efforts to recover the stolen animals are ongoing.
However, tension remains high in the area, with locals accusing sections of the security apparatus of laxity and delayed response during attacks.
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The latest raid is part of a series of security challenges that have continued to affect communities in Transmara West and neighbouring areas along the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Residents are now urging the government to strengthen security operations, resolve boundary disputes and address cattle rustling networks to restore lasting peace in the region.
By Kimutai Langat
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