- Political leaders are pushing for dialogue to end fighting between communities along the Kisii-Transmara border.
- Parents and teachers fear continued insecurity could disrupt learning as schools reopen for third term.
- Leaders say elders and government officials should urgently intervene to restore peace and protect residents.
Political leaders from both Kisii and Transmara have asked warring communities to lay down their arms to pave the way for dialogue and a lasting solution for peaceful coexistence.
South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro termed it a primitive act for communities that have lived together for a long time to turn against each other and shed blood over a trivial matter like fighting over a girlfriend in a bar.
He said he had engaged his counterparts from Bomachoge Borabu and Kilgoris constituencies, Obadiah Barongo and Julius Sunkuli, over the conflict and described their meeting as hopeful.
“We contacted elders from both sides and we agreed to use all means to ensure a ceasefire, even involving CS for Interior Security Kipchumba Murkomen to pacify the communities,” he said.
Barongo concurred with Osoro, saying he had talked with Kisii County Governor Simba Arati, Bokimonge Ward MCA Amos Onderi and Kisii County Peace Chairman Samson Onyancha, and they agreed on a consolidated effort to bring peace in the region.
A trader from Transmara, Daniel Ole Lonko, condemned the fighting, saying it was unfortunate that most of its victims are children and old women.
“These innocent and helpless people find themselves on the losing end of their lives as our youths who have been eating together turn into beasts of war tearing each other,” he said.
Speaking at Rigo SDA Church on Saturday during the crowning of the August Camp Meeting, Christians said they are the light of the world and called for peace.
Sarah Rachami recalled how the 2002 clashes between the two communities tormented residents and left behind many widows who are still struggling to educate their children, and warned against a repeat of the turmoil.
Parents fear disruption as schools reopen
Education News observed tension along the border, including Monianku and Kenoria in South Mugirango; Mokomoni, Bendera, Nyabitunwa, Kiango and Geteni in Bomachoge Borabu Constituency; as well as Shankoe in Kilgoris Constituency.
Parents and teachers who talked to Education News expressed fear over the reopening of schools in the affected areas and appealed to the government to assure them of their security before schools reopen tomorrow.
The ongoing internal war, if not contained, is likely to have serious effects. Learning is expected to be disrupted as schools close and teachers flee, leading to poor performance and dropouts.
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Displacement of families may lead to food shortages and outbreaks of diseases in crowded temporary camps. Destruction of property, loss of lives and increased hatred between neighbours who have intermarried and traded together for years may also take long to heal, slowing down economic activities and development in the border region.
By Enock Okong’o
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