President William Ruto is slowly transforming his home in Kilgoris, Narok County, into a new centre of power.
When it became public that President William Ruto had bought the Murumbi Ranch in Kilgoris and settled there, many residents of Ang’ata Barikkoi in Trans Mara were elated.
His victory in the 2022 General Election as President of Kenya was even sweeter news for them, as one of their own had become Head of State.
For them, they believed that the Swahili saying “mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone,” loosely translated to mean “the arrival of a visitor spells benefits for the natives,” applied.
They envisioned an end to the tribal clashes that had been escalating, along with increased security, peace, and development.
However, these were only dreams. The last two years have been hell for them, as tribal clashes have denied them peace, security and development.
In the past month alone, the clashes have left at least four people dead, dozens injured and more than 1,800 displaced.
This is despite President Ruto making his Kilgoris home a focal point for meetings. Ordinarily, his presence there would be expected to bring relief to his neighbours.
However, in Ang’ata Barikkoi, located about 35 kilometres away, residents know only misery, with fighting worsening over the past year.
President William Ruto poses for a picture with members of PEFA Ikarian Cathedral, Kilgoris, Narok County, on Christmas day.
Dr Ruto has spent this festive season at his Kilgoris home, but his neighbours in Ang’ata Barikkoi have little to celebrate. They say 2025 has been their worst year and do not expect a better 2026, having been displaced from their homes after renewed clashes about a month ago.
The displaced families are living in agony after fleeing their homes due to insecurity. There is no tangible government aid in sight, even as schools prepare to reopen early this week.
The situation for families sheltering at Sankale Primary School remains dire. It has been a month since they were forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict, and they say they have received no aid from the national government—neither food nor assistance to return home. The lack of support from authorities has left them in uncertainty and desperation.
Mr David Kirui, who is representing the affected families, expressed frustration and disappointment, saying they have been surviving on handouts from the Catholic Church and the Red Cross.
“We are shocked that our leaders have not visited or provided any support,” he said. “We have been left to fend for ourselves, with no clear indication of when we will be able to return home or receive any assistance.”
Mirriam Koros, a mother of twin infants, spoke emotionally about her plight.
“My babies and I sleep on the classroom floor, with limited access to basic necessities such as food, water and sanitation facilities. I am worried they may fall sick, perhaps with pneumonia, due to the cold weather at night. I just want a safe place for my children to live, but it seems no one is listening to our cries for help,” she said.
The Catholic Church has provided some clothing and food. Father Felix Ndolo, who has been working tirelessly to support the displaced families, urged the government to intervene and address their plight.
“The situation is getting worse by the day, and it is heartbreaking to see families, especially children, suffering like this,” he said.
He also called on all Trans Mara communities to live peacefully, emphasising that peace is the only way to uplift the nation.
“We need to put aside our differences and work towards a peaceful resolution. Peace is the only way to lift our nation,” he added.
The displaced families appealed to the government and humanitarian organisations to come to their aid with food, shelter and medical assistance. They also urged the government to fast-track efforts to resolve the conflict and ensure their safe return home.
As days go by, the situation for the displaced families continues to deteriorate, making the need for urgent action increasingly pressing.
President William Ruto addresses traders and residents of Ntulele in Narok County after handing over the Ntulele ESP Market to traders on May 6, 2025.
Speaking on the clashes recently, President Ruto ordered residents in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them immediately.
The President vowed to restore calm, saying, “These people have to return the guns to the police. If they don’t, they will face consequences. We must stop criminals, terrorists and all others who are infringing on the peace and security of other citizens. And we are not begging.”
Although the conflict has been attributed to a land dispute, influential individuals are reportedly exploiting the situation to incite violence.
“The main cause of the incitement and chaos is a land issue, but some suspects are inciting residents on unrelated issues simply to cause chaos,” said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Mr Lagat noted that security operations are targeting the masterminds behind the violence, with six suspects already in custody.
“We are now closing in on the perpetrators and financiers. So far, we have arrested six individuals, including the Lolgorian MCA,” he said.
Despite calm returning to some areas and some displaced families beginning to return home, police say the curfew will remain in force until security agencies are satisfied the situation is fully under control.
“People have started going back. The curfew will still continue until we are sure of safety,” the DIG said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has approved a 30-day security operation, listing 14 areas as disturbed. In Trans Mara West, the Nkararo area has been included. In Trans Mara South, 13 areas have been listed, including Oldonyo-Orok, Siteti, Ololoma, Corner, Ratiki, Isokon, Kerinkani, Kondamet, Olkiloriti, Ang’ata Barikkoi, Kapkures, Lolgorian town and Mashangwa.
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