9 arrested as Matiangi warns politicians funding Narok clashes

At least nine people have been arrested in connection with the tribal clashes that have left scores injured and hundreds displaced in Narok and Nakuru counties.

The arrests come as Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i on Wednesday announced that police will deal ruthlessly with anyone caught inciting or engaging in skirmishes at Olposimoru and Olenguorone villages.

“The Government will not compromise on its cardinal responsibility of protecting the lives and property of peace-loving Kenyans,” Dr. Matiang’i said.

He warned that the perpetrators of the crimes including politicians inciting and funding the violence will face the full force of the law together with their inciters irrespective of their status.

“Some of the cultural practices like cattle rustling and tribal clashes are systemic, retrogressive and criminal. We cannot look the other way while a handful of individuals use the lives of innocent Kenyans as collateral for political glory,” said Matiang’i.

Police are now said to be zeroing in on politicians claimed to be funding groups engaging in the burning of houses in Narok.

According to Narok County Commissioner George Natembeya, the chaos appear to be a well-choreographed and oiled scheme aimed at deterring the second phase of Mau Forest evictions.

The commissioner maintained that those fueling ethnic animosity along the Nakuru – Narok border are people who sold the forest land where people are set to be evicted.