The humanitarian crisis in Ang’ata Barikoi, Trans Mara, is deepening as hundreds of residents flee ongoing tribal clashes, facing acute shortages of food, shelter, and medical care even as the government deploys security to contain the situation.

Tens of villages have been deserted as the government-imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew to avoid more infighting between the clashing communities.

In Trans Mara West and South, the curfew from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am, which aims to curb violence, but distress calls from affected residents continue to mount.

The decision to enforce a curfew in parts of Narok County was informed by intelligence reports that members of a certain community planned to carry out a serious retaliatory attack at the volatile Angata Barikoi–Lolgorian border.

At the Kona police post in Oldonyorok, more than 150 displaced residents have sought refuge. Children weakened by hunger lie on the ground, some battling illness, while access to medical care remains limited, the nearest hospital is several kilometres away in Lolgorian, and insecurity along the border restricts movement.

In Ratik village, one of the areas worst hit, scorched and roofless houses stand as grim testimony to the violence. Hundreds of homes have been abandoned for nearly three weeks, leaving families gripped by fear and uncertainty.

Counting losses

The Kenya Red Cross Society reports that over 1,800 people have been forced from their homes in the case of clashes between the Maasai (Siria) and Kipsigis communities.

 The organisation said 253 households were destroyed by fire, forcing families to seek shelter in schools, dispensaries, open fields, and even under trees.

“Children, women, and persons with disabilities are the most affected, with food stores destroyed by fire,” the Red Cross said.

The humanitarian group said it will continue assessments, provide psychosocial support, and mobilise further aid for affected families.

Tackling the clashes

Authorities have intensified security operations in Trans Mara South to restore calm. Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat urged communities to maintain peace while warning against those inciting violence.

“Those people who are advancing criminal activities in Angata Barikoi, we are coming for you, and that menace should stop immediately,” Lagat said.

Moreover, President William Ruto has also taken a firm stance. Speaking during the Baringo Cultural Festival and Kimalel Goat Auction on December 22, 2025, ordered residents to surrender all illegal firearms to police, warning that failure to comply would attract decisive action.

“These people have to return the guns to the police. If they don’t, they will face it,” the President said.

“We must stop criminals, terrorists, and all others infringing on the peace and security of other citizens. And we are not begging.”

The violence has drawn calls for stronger intervention. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot urged deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces, warning that armed groups were exploiting long-standing land boundary disputes between the Kipsigis and Maasai communities.

In response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has already declared Trans Mara West and South security-disturbed and dangerous areas for 30 days, covering hotspots including Kilgoris, Angata Barikoi, Nkararu, Ololoma, and Lolgorian town.

Considering that a dawn-to-dusk curfew is already in force in the affected regions, Murkomen says the measure has helped to contain the situation as security personnel intensify patrols and surveillance.

“The Government remains committed to ensuring that the communities, which have for a long time lived together in peace and harmony, bring an end to the current animosities and fully embrace peaceful coexistence,” the CS asserted.

Church leaders have also condemned the violence, which has already claimed lives, while police have arrested some of the leaders over the said incitement of the unrest.