A wave of violence has swept through Mwisho wa Lami in Nakuru County, leaving a trail of destruction and despair as inter-community clashes escalated over the weekend. At least 12 homes were set ablaze, dozens of families displaced, and one person confirmed dead in the wake of the unrest.
The conflict reportedly began with protests over a prolonged two-month electricity blackout in the Tipis and Mwisho wa Lami areas. Tensions flared when demonstrators blocked roads and damaged a vehicle, prompting retaliatory attacks that spiraled into overnight raids by armed youths.
Residents described terrifying scenes as attackers stormed villages under the cover of darkness, wielding machetes and bows. Eight people sustained serious injuries, including slash wounds and arrow piercings. Victims say they lost everything—from livestock and household items to vital documents.
“I watched my house burn to the ground with everything inside,” said Ayub Gatheru, a local farmer. “We have nowhere to go, and no one is helping us.”
In response, authorities imposed a seven-day dusk-to-dawn curfew in the affected areas and deployed additional security personnel. Plans are underway to establish new police posts to restore order and prevent further violence.
Nakuru county commissioner Loyford Kibaara confirmed the curfew and emphasized the seriousness of the situation. “We are setting up a police post and leaving officers on the ground for one week. During curfew hours, no movement will be allowed between Nakuru and Narok,” he stated.
Local leaders and residents are calling for urgent intervention and long-term solutions, citing a recurring pattern of unrest that often coincides with election cycles. Many accuse political actors of neglecting the region and failing to address deep-rooted grievances.
“We are tired of being used and abandoned,” said Eunice Nyawera, whose home was among those destroyed. “We need peace, not promises.”
As families seek refuge and rebuild their lives, the community remains on edge, hoping that calm will return before more lives are lost.
