NAIROBI, Kenya – Efforts to restore peace at the volatile Kisii-Kilgoris border gained momentum on Wednesday after a group of young professionals from Kisii and Narok counties held a crisis meeting in Nairobi.
The discussions, convened by Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo, aimed at de-escalating the deadly clashes that have left several people dead and dozens injured in the past five days.
The meeting brought together youth representatives from Bomachoge Borabu and Kilgoris constituencies, who unanimously called for an end to the violence.
Letoo, speaking on behalf of the group, urged both the Maasai and Gusii communities to lay down their weapons and embrace peace talks.
“Violence only deepens our wounds, but dialogue heals them. Let us choose the path of understanding, for the sake of our children and generations to come,” he said during a phone interview with Y News.
He also emphasized the need for security agencies to act swiftly in arresting criminal elements believed to be fueling the conflict through renewed cattle rustling.
One of the key demands from the youth professionals is compensation for families who have lost loved ones during the clashes.
They also called on the Kisii and Narok county governments to cover medical expenses for the more than 50 victims currently receiving treatment as a gesture of goodwill.
Beyond immediate interventions, the group stressed the importance of long-term peace efforts.
Further, they have committed to work closely with the Ministry of Interior to establish a sustained peace program, ensuring that similar clashes do not recur.
Plans are already in place to introduce peace-driven activities along the border, including inter-community tournaments, to foster unity among young people from both sides.
Social media users were also urged to exercise caution and avoid inflammatory posts that could escalate tensions.
“We must be responsible with our words. Incitement online can quickly translate into real-life violence,” Letoo cautioned.
The group now plans to engage Governors from both counties to push for the implementation of their resolutions.
With tensions still high, these youth-led efforts could prove instrumental in restoring calm and rebuilding trust between the warring communities.
“No family should have to mourn the loss of a loved one due to conflict. We call on our leaders and communities to stand together in restoring harmony and justice,” Letoo said.
