GSU officers have been deployed to parts of Baringo county to end the violence between the Pokot and Tugen communities. The government has provided two vehicles to security personnel to enhance patrols in the clash-hit areas.

A civic aspirant was shot dead two days ago. John Seuru was shot dead on Monday as he rode his motorcycle near Kiserian in Marigat district.

More than 3,000 residents of Arabal location among them some 300 KCPE candidates have fled their homes following the clashes. Six primary schools have been shut down.

Marigat district is the worst hit. DC Saul Muywaya said more police officers had been sent to intensify patrols. "The situation is under control and we will intensify patrols to ensure families return to their homes," he said.

"We have been facing logistical problems in dealing with insecurity but the government has provided more vehicles for police patrols." Rift Valley police boss John M'Mbijiwe said the government will deploy heavily-armed security teams to disarm residents in Pokot, Turkana and Baringo.

Human Rights crusader Amos ole Mpaka said tension is still high despite the security teams. "The situation is very bad in the affected areas and unless the government gets serious, many more people will be killed. The police and GSU teams in the area have no vehicles and cannot deal with the attackers whose main aim is not cattle rustling," said Mpaka.

He said the genesis of the violence is the move by the Pokot community to claim part of the land currently occupied by the Tugens. Mpaka said the clashes are likely to escalate if the government will not take decisive measures to stop them ahead of the general election. He warned the government to take the violence seriously as was the case in the Tana River violence a few months ago.