NAROK, Kenya — Authorities have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in parts of Trans Mara South and Trans Mara West in Narok County following deadly tribal clashes that have displaced more than 1,800 people within three days.
The curfew, announced by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, takes effect from 6:00 pm and is part of special security operations aimed at restoring calm in the affected areas.
The violence, involving the Maasai and Kipsigis communities, has left several people dead and triggered widespread destruction of property, including the torching of homes.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, at least 253 households were burnt down, forcing families to flee to schools, health facilities and open spaces, with some victims sleeping under trees.
“Tribal clashes in Angata Barikkoi, Trans Mara South, have displaced over 1,800 people in just three days,” the humanitarian agency said in a statement on Saturday. “Children, women and persons with disabilities are the most affected, with food stores destroyed by fire.”
The Red Cross said it is conducting rapid assessments, offering psychosocial support and mobilising additional humanitarian assistance for affected families.
Areas under curfew in Trans Mara West include Nkararu, while in Trans Mara South, the restrictions apply to Oldonyo-Orok, Siteti, Ololoma, Corner, Ratiki, Isokon, Kerinkani, Kondamet, Olkiloriti, Angata Barakoi, Kapkeres, Lolgorian town, Mashangwa, and Sachangwan.
“The regions are now considered disturbed areas, and a special operation is ongoing to restore calm,” Lagat said.
He further directed that individuals in possession of illegal firearms surrender them within 72 hours, warning that security agencies would take decisive action against those who fail to comply.
The clashes are reportedly linked to a long-standing land boundary dispute, with Angata Barikoi historically affected by contested land ownership, community tensions, banditry and recurrent insecurity.
Local administrators say the curfew and heightened security deployment are intended to halt retaliatory attacks and prevent further loss of life, as authorities work to address the deeper land and resource disputes fuelling the conflict.
The latest violence adds to growing concerns over unresolved land conflicts in parts of the Rift Valley, where historical grievances continue to trigger deadly confrontations despite repeated government interventions.
