Humanitarian crisis escalates in troubled Ang'ata Barrikoi

The humanitarian crisis is escalating in troubled Ang'ata Barrikoi in Trans Mara as hundreds of people fleeing the unending clashes face an acute shortage of necessities.

Tens of villages have been deserted as locals move away from the violence epicentre, as the government-imposed curfew enters its second day.

Church leaders have condemned the ongoing tribal clashes that have left at least three dead, even as police arrest a member of the county assembly over alleged incitement.

A day after a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. was imposed in Trans Mara West and South, distress calls from victims of violent clashes between two rival communities continue to mount.

Residents continue to flee their homes, with the Kona police post in the Oldonyorok area being a refuge for more than 150 people displaced by the violence.

Among them is Joy Chebet, a victim of the boundary-related clashes from Chapkures. Despite having five children of her own, she now shares a single cup of tea among more than 15 children sheltering at the post.

“Hapa tumeteseka sana nyumba zetu ziliteketezwa, ata chakula cha watoto hatuna,” Chebet says.

At the camp, children weakened by acute hunger lie on the ground, some battling illness. Access to medical care remains a challenge, with the nearest hospital located several kilometres away in Lolgorian, while insecurity along the border has cut off movement.

“Ngombe zetu zimetawanyika, shida kubwa ni wagonjwa wa watoto ata hospitali ya kupata dawa ya watoto hakuna,” says John Koros.

In Ratik village, the affected area from the clashes, the grim picture of roofless houses in what you encounter after armed assailants stormed the area and set residents’ homes ablaze. Hundreds of houses have remained abandoned for close to three weeks, with fear and uncertainty gripping every corner of Ratik.

“Mimi ni mkazi ambaye amefukuzwa tulikuwa tunaishi na tulivamiwa hakuna kitu imebaki hapa,” says Sharon Bett, a resident of Rotik.

Security operations are currently ongoing in Trans Mara South as authorities move to restore calm and stability in the region. This comes as church leaders, led by David Kibali of The People's Church Nairobi Diocese, called for a ceasefire between feuding communities.