- Enock Okong’o reports that learners have returned to schools previously threatened by insecurity along the Kisii-Trans Mara border.
- The reopening follows a peace meeting led by Kisii and Narok County Commissioners as security patrols continue.
- Recent clashes disrupted businesses, displaced families and threatened learning, leaving residents counting losses across the border communities.
Students are seen carrying their books in polythene bags. Others, especially those in primary school, are seen in worn-out gumboots, while their seniors in secondary school walk fast ahead of them, wary of the recent skirmishes along the Kisii-Trans Mara West border.
This is after the County Commissioners from Kisii and Narok, James Kamau and Reuben Lotiatia, led residents from both sides in a peace meeting on Sunday until late in the evening.
The two Commissioners issued a stern warning to anyone who might cause fear and start unrest along the border, saying it disrupts business, school learning and leads to animosity among residents.
The tense meeting was controlled by regular police who were reinforced by General Service Unit (GSU) security officers, who kept watch throughout the proceedings of the meeting.
Schools reopen peacefully
A quick survey by Education News on Monday morning witnessed tranquillity as the threatened schools, including Nyabitunwa, Kiango, Mokomoni, Shankoe, Bendera and Nyabiore, reopened peacefully for Third Term studies.
At some point, armed policemen in jungle jackets could be seen patrolling along the border from their Nyabitunwa police base as they assured residents of their security.
The peace has returned after local leaders led by South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, Bomachoge Borabu parliamentary aspirants Duke Mainga Echate and Dickson Ogwara called for a quick ceasefire in the volatile region.
Their concerns were supported by church leaders, border committee elders and human rights activists. They thanked God for its stoppage, although the clashes have led to the burning of sugarcane farms worth millions of shillings.
Families and businesses affected
The border clashes have had other devastating effects. Many families have been forced to flee their homes and stay with relatives in safer villages, while some businesses along the border markets at Bendera and Kiango have remained closed, leading to loss of income. Learning in the threatened schools was not paralysed but was under serious threat as attendance dropped.
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In addition, sugarcane farms and maize plantations have been slashed and burnt and livestock stolen. Health centres have also run short of drugs as supply was cut off, while women and children suffer trauma and fear of fresh attacks.
By Enock Okong’o
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