The government has deployed more security personnel from GSU unit, in a bid to combat ethnic tension along the Kisii-Kilgoris border.
This comes few days after the Maasai and Abagusii community started fighting over alleged cattle rustling that has resulted in serious injuries to scores of people, besides massive destruction of crops along the troubled border.
Speaking on Thursday in his office, Kisii Central OCPD Tom Mutsya said 100 officers from GSU unit will reinforce fifty officers who were deployed earlier.
“We have decided to increase the number of police officers in the area to quell tension that has been there for the last three days. They will act as reinforcement to existing police population in that area. We did this following the request from area residents,” said Mutsya.
Mutya dispelled fear that police officers may antagonize inhabitants along the border, saying the officers will only deal with those inciting violence among citizens.
“The police force reformed long ago hence they execute their duties professionally. Peace loving Kenyans in the border should not tense since our mandate is to make them safe,” he added.
He warned those inciting violence, and promised to apprehend them to face the law besides urging them to surrender traditional weapons such as arrows and bows.
“We are aware that the warring sides are using traditional weapons. I request them to surrender to officers, failure to which we shall take action,” said the police officer.
This is not the first time the two communities are engaged in such differences, having fought during the 1992 tribal clashes in the country, and after 1997 General elections.