Fresh inter-community tensions raise security fears across Rift Valley, Coast and Eastern

Fresh inter-community tensions over grazing land, livestock theft and revenge attacks are raising fears of renewed violence in parts of Rift Valley, Eastern and Coast regions despite ongoing efforts to restore peace.

A security report shared with police is now calling for intensified operations to prevent further bloodshed as several hotspots show signs of escalating conflict.

The warning comes days after six men were shot dead at a watering point in Tana River, the latest incident in a string of deadly clashes that have left dozens dead and displaced families across affected areas.

Among the areas of concern is Samburu County, where tensions between the Pokot and Samburu communities are reportedly rising over livestock theft and planned retaliatory attacks.

According to the report, members of the Pokot community are seeking to avenge the killing of one of their own during an attempted raid in Ntim Nariko area in Longewan Location on June 21, 2026.

“Notably, the Pokot are keen to avenge the killing of their kinsman during an attempted raid against the Samburu at Ntim Nariko area in Longewan Location on June 21, 2026. Meanwhile, the two communities are likely to engage in cyclic attack/killings, further heightening tensions in Samburu West Sub County.”

“There is need for enhanced security measures to thwart the imminent attacks,” the report said.

In Kwale County, a dispute involving members of the Somali and Duruma communities has heightened tensions in Lunga Lunga and Kinango sub-counties.

The conflict is linked to alleged farmland invasions, competition for grazing resources and livestock theft.

The latest incident was triggered on June 21 after seven goats belonging to Somali herders were allegedly stolen at Marani village in Mwereni Location.

According to the report, herders who attempted to recover the animals were attacked by armed youths.

“Subsequently, the herders attempted to recover the stolen goats from the homestead of a Duruma kinsman in Kitale area in Fimba Moyo 'C' Village, where they were accosted and attacked by several armed Duruma youths.”

During the confrontation, a Somali herder was injured.

The report further states that youths erected a barrier along the Kwa Hungwe-Kitale Road and targeted members of the Somali community, injuring another herder.

The conflict has since spread to neighbouring Tsuwa village in Kinango sub-county, where two camels belonging to Somali herders were reportedly maimed and demands issued for the herders to leave the area.

Authorities say the situation remains tense and could escalate without urgent intervention.

In Meru County, security agencies are also monitoring growing tensions involving local residents and members of the Borana community over fears of retaliatory attacks.

The concerns emerged after a Borana man was shot and his motorcycle confiscated in Simamwendo area in Mutuati sub-county.

The report warns that some members of the Borana community may seek to retaliate in a bid to avenge the attack and recover the motorcycle.

Meanwhile, anxiety is also growing in Marsabit County following the alleged abduction of a member of the Borana community by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Sololo sub-county.

According to the report, the victim was accused of sharing information about the group's activities with security personnel.

The incident has heightened fears of further intimidation and harassment among residents.

“There is need for intensified security measures to crackdown on OLA remnants in parts of Sololo and Moyale Sub Counties,” the report added.

The security assessment is now urging authorities to strengthen operations in the affected regions to prevent fresh attacks and contain the escalating tensions before they spiral into wider conflict.