President William Ruto has directed politicians, elders and church leaders to sit down and find a lasting solution to the raging inter-clan clashes in Kilgoris.
The president said on Sunday that leaders must sit down and agree on a formula that will end skirmishes between the two warring clans of Irwa Shinkishu and Isiria.
Speaking in Kilgoris during the interdenominational thanksgiving service for Tourism PS John Ololtua, Ruto said the local leaders have a responsibility to foster peace.
He said that the local leadership together with elders are better placed to iron out the small issues that are causing clashes between the two communities.
“I ask elders, leaders from here, county government and church leaders to sit down so that we can deal with the problem so that we focus on development without any fights,’’ Ruto said.
The president said security agencies will continue to ensure that officers protect lives and property as elders focus on finding a lasting solution for peace.
“I know there are elders here, there are some things we want them to sit down and agree locally here so that people can live in peace,’’ he said.
Earlier, Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina asked the local leaders to stop inciting residents over land.
“We know that there are leaders here, both former and current who are inciting our people. They have just stopped for days because they knew the president was coming here,’’ Ole Kina said.
The senator, who is affiliated with opposition leader Raila Odinga's ODM party, warned that the clashes are being fuelled by some politicians who are well known.
“Governments will come and go but land and the communities will remain,’’ Ole Kina said.
Reacting to Ole Kina’s remarks, Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu denied that the county is not doing enough to end the clashes.
“There is a lot that is happening on the ground and the county government is working closely with the security agencies to restore peace,’’ he said.
The Irwa Shinkishu and Isiria clans have been fighting over land for months, clashes that have left dozens dead.