Three people have been killed in a suspected attack by an ethnic community along the Kenya-Tanzania border. Chelchel Chief Richard Maywa confirmed the incident that happened on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Police said one of the victims was a Tanzanian while the other two were Kenyans.
The Tanzanian had been shot and killed under unclear circumstances in Angata Barrikoi Location, which is located in Kenya.
Hours later, a group of Tanzanians attacked in retaliation, killing the two Kenyans who were on their side.
Kenyan authorities received the bodies of Richard Kipngeno Rotich, 42, and Richard Korir, 36.
However, Tanzanian police rescued another Kenyan from the attackers.
He was rushed to the hospital and admitted in serious condition.
The police said the Tanzanian national, identified as Marwa Ndatu, was accused of being a thief.
How the Kenya-Tanzania Border Incident Happened
According to authorities, Marwa was shot and killed as he was harvesting maize belonging to a Kenyan at Chelchel along the border.
A local mortuary attendant picked up his body from the farm.
Three Kenyans were reportedly having fun at Kegonga area in Tanzania when the news of Marwa’s death spread.
They were attacked by a mob, leaving two of them dead and one nursing serious injuries.
The three Kenyans had reportedly crossed over to Tanzania for business purposes before the attack.
Angata is one of the informal border crossings used by local communities between Kenya and Tanzania.
The area near the main border with Tanzania has been experiencing issues over land matters in recent months.
Also Read: Tanzania Announces Mandatory Ksh5,676 for Foreign Travelers
5 People Killed Over Land Disputes
In April 2025, five people were killed during violent clashes between police and residents.
More than 15 people, including two police officers, were injured in the chaos.
The confrontation began when police tried to stop demonstrations against the alleged grabbing of 10,000 acres of land by a senior government official.
Also Read: Kenya Listed Among Least Peaceful Countries Behind Tanzania & Uganda
Murkomen’s Promise
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen said all individuals behind the clashes will be held accountable.
Murkomen pledged to ensure the families of the five victims get justice and restore calm in the area.
“Calm has been restored, but we will ensure those who incited the violence are brought to justice. We will not stop at anything, and it will not matter the position one is holding,” he said.
Murkomen described the attack as unjustifiable, emphasizing that land disputes must be resolved through legal channels.
“It is absolutely unjustifiable. I want to say land is becoming a source of conflict, but there are proper ways of resolving the issues. If aggrieved, go to court, and if you lose, you can appeal,” Murkomen urged.
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