Flames have once again devoured homes in Ang’ata Barikoi, Trans Mara, as a decades-old land conflict erupted into fresh violence, leaving families homeless and a community on edge.

The torching of more than 30 homes on Tuesday marks a grim escalation in the dispute between the Kipsigis and Maasai communities, forcing hundreds of terrified residents to abandon their livelihoods and seek shelter in nearby schools. This recent outbreak is not just about property; it's about survival, reigniting fears over a conflict that has repeatedly proven deadly and threatens the core stability of this Narok County community.

In a statement released Wednesday, KANU National Chairman Gideon Moi expressed deep concern over the violence. “We are deeply troubled by the recent outbreak of violence in Ang’ata Barikoi, which has seen dozens of homes set alight and people injured,” he noted, emphasizing that the only path forward is through dialogue and the rule of law. Mr. Moi called for immediate humanitarian assistance for the displaced families, who fled with nothing but their lives.

For those affected, the impact is immediate and devastating. "We have run from our homes and moved to this school for safety," one displaced woman told reporters. "We carried all we could, but now we have no food, children are crying out of hunger." Another resident lamented leaving everything behind after three decades on their land: "We left cows, goats, and chickens. We have nothing." This loss of livestock and the inability to access farmland strikes at the very heart of the local economy, leaving families without food or a source of income.

A Cycle of Violence

This week’s clashes are a painful echo of past tragedies. The violence is linked to a bitter, long-standing dispute over a large parcel of land in the Trans Mara region. In early December, tensions simmered over, leading to the deaths of at least four people. This followed a particularly deadly incident in April 2025, where clashes over a land survey resulted in several fatalities and prompted the intervention of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who ordered the transfer of senior local police commanders.

Local leaders are demanding a permanent solution. Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli has made an urgent appeal to the Interior Ministry to bolster security and finally resolve the conflict. Area MCA Joseph Koech confirmed the recent deaths and destruction of property, stating, "Tension remains high... We want the government to ensure security is guaranteed and to address the root causes of this conflict."

The core of the dispute involves contested ownership claims, with historical grievances fueling present-day conflict. While government officials, including Lands PS Nixon Korir, have previously stated that the land is officially registered to a farmers' cooperative, many residents hold title deeds they believe are valid, creating a complex and volatile situation.

• Homes Torched: Over 30 houses were set ablaze in villages including Rotik and Kapkures.
• Displacement: Hundreds of families, primarily women and children, are now sheltering in local primary schools.
• Casualties: At least four people were reported killed in related clashes earlier in the month.
• Livelihoods Lost: Displaced residents have abandoned their homes, livestock, and farms, crippling their ability to support themselves.

As security personnel monitor the tense calm, Gideon Moi's closing appeal resonates with a community desperate for peace. “We appeal to the people of Ang’ata Barikoi to choose peace and to work together towards lasting harmony and development,” he concluded. For the families huddled in classrooms, those words represent a hope for a future where their homes are safe and their children are not hungry.