The government has moved to end a four-decade-long boundary tussle between two clans in Migori county.
On Tuesday, Migori county commissioner David Gitonga led a delegation from the adjudication office, land registrar and survey department in locating the boundaries using GPRS and placing permanent markings.
The boundary dispute has caused endless conflict between the Kajulu sub-clan of Kanyamkago clan in Uriri subcounty and the Kanyuor sub-clan of the larger Kadem clan in Nyatike subcounty.
“The dispute between the two clans has existed for more than four decades, from 1984,” Gitonga said.
“We have lost lives and properties, which we will bring to an end.”
He said the government has been engaging residents and elders, who first agreed to stop any aggression before finally the boundary was ascertained.
The county commissioner regretted that in the past, residents resorted to violence, which saw destruction of property and loss of lives.
He warned against any attempt to scuttle peace.
“Those with intentions of removing the demarcations placed by the government will face the full force of the law, which will include facing seven years' jail term,” he said.
Samuel Anyona, an elder from Kadem clan, said the move will bring about long-lasting peace between them and end a decade-long standoff.
“We have lost children over a land dispute between the two clans,” he said.
“Homes have been torched from time to time, and any meaningful development has stalled in the area completely.”
Mzee Katete Jowi from Kanyamkago clan said they are optimistic about peace and called on local leaders to put up development projects in the remote area.
“We also call on people who are ready to settle by buying land in our area to come because we now have peace,” Jowi said.