Thousands flee homes after clashes in Kenya

KENYA: Thousands of people have fled their homes in Kenya's rift valley amid ethnic clashes that have claimed 15 victims.

KENYA: Thousands of people have fled their homes in Kenya's rift valley amid ethnic clashes that have claimed 15 victims.

Violence flared between farmers and herders from two of the country's biggest tribes on Friday, and continued over the weekend.

Police sent reinforcements to the area north-west of Nairobi yesterday in an attempt to separate Maasai and Kikuyu youths.

Maasai herders said the trouble began when a Kikuyu farmer and prominent local politician diverted a river to irrigate his land, denying their cattle access to water.

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Mr John Kamau, a senior local official, said: "The government is doing all it can to control the situation; I urge the combatants to lay down their weapons and talk peace."

Four people were reportedly killed after being dragged from cars at roadblocks set up to identify members of the rival tribes.