The humanitarian situation in Ang’ata Barrikoi, Trans Mara, is getting worse as ongoing clashes force hundreds of people to flee their homes. Families escaping the violence are now facing severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical care.
Tens of villages have been deserted as residents move away from the centre of the conflict. This comes as a government-imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., entered its second day in Trans Mara West and South. Despite the curfew, distress calls from affected families continue to rise.
The clashes between two rival communities have so far left at least three people dead. Church leaders have strongly condemned the violence and called for peace. At the same time, police have arrested a member of the county assembly over alleged incitement linked to the clashes.
Many displaced residents are seeking safety at the Kona police post in the Oldonyorok area, where more than 150 people are sheltering. Conditions there are very difficult. Joy Chebet, a mother of five who fled from Chapkures, says life has become unbearable. She now shares one cup of tea among more than 15 children at the camp, as there is little food available.
Children at the camp are weak from hunger, and some are sick. Access to healthcare is a major problem, as the nearest hospital is several kilometres away in Lolgorian. Ongoing insecurity has also made movement dangerous.
John Koros, another displaced resident, says their livestock has scattered and sick children cannot get medicine because reaching health facilities is difficult.
In Ratik village, the destruction is clear. Many houses were burned down during the attacks, leaving families without shelter. Hundreds of homes have remained abandoned for nearly three weeks, as fear and uncertainty continue to grip the area. Former residents say nothing is left of their homes.
Security operations are ongoing in Trans Mara South as authorities work to restore calm. Church leaders, led by Bishop David Kibali of The People’s Church Nairobi Diocese, have appealed to the fighting communities to stop the violence and allow peace to return.
As clashes continue, humanitarian needs in Ang’ata Barrikoi keep growing, with displaced families urgently in need of food, shelter, medical care, and long-term peace.
