Naivasha sub-county commissioner Abraham Kemboi has indefinitely closed all sand harvesting sites in Maai Maahiu in Naivasha sub-county.
At a press conference at Naivasha town on Wednesday, Kemboi said that the decision was taken after clashes erupted among rival groups of youth who are claiming the ownership of the sites.
“The stand-off between rival groups of youth claiming the ownership of the sand sites has led me to close the sites indefinitely,” said Kemboi.
Kemboi said that the continuous clashes between the rival youths are a great threat to the security in the area.
“The provincial administration will be monitoring the situation at Maai Maahiu sand sites to maintain stability,” said Kemboi.
Kemboi urged the rowdy youth to maintain peace as the government seeks to find a solution.
He however warned political interference in the sand issue and said that tough action would be taken against political leaders inciting the youth to violence.
“We don't want political issues to be dragged into this issue,” said Kemboi.
The closure of the vast tracks of sand sites leave over 3000 lives who depend on the sites hanging in the balance.
The closure promoted a fierce criticism from the youth who depend on the sites to earn a living.