The border of Kisumu-Nandi counties has remained tense as warring communities scaled up fighting after some cattle were stolen on Monday.
Locals have fled their homes fearing attacks after two people were killed and three others admitted to hospital with arrow wounds.
Cattle rustlers on Monday noon drove away 76 herds of cattle to Nandi side of the border from a grazing field and seriously injured the herd’s man.
The owner of the cattle, Bishop Abuto Ogacho said 60 cattle were recovered after locals tracked down the stolen animals.
Abuto said 12 others were later recovered at night in the bush with only four now remaining missing.
“The search is still on and I know the government has stepped in to ensure the stolen animals are recovered,” he said.
The situation has degenerated into a fight between the two communities living along the border leaving a trail of destruction.
Locals could be spotted in groups armed with arrows, machetes and other crude weapons.
The killings escalated the war that left three houses torched, three others nursing arrow wounds and several families fleeing their homes.
Local leaders led by politician Dr Hezron Makobewa appealed for proper security to be stationed along the border to deter cattle rustling and to be able to contain skirmishes.
“This issue has been with us for a while and the government is doing little to contain the situation. I want to blame the county government for even not doing well over this matter,” he said.
Kisumu County Commissioner John Elungata who is on the ground declined to speak to the press.
He said he would only address the media after holding a joint meeting with the security team from Nandi County.