The raiders were well organized
and co-ordinated. Their attacks were generally under the cover of
darkness, and where the attackers were in broad daylight, the
raiders would smear their faces with clay to conceal their identities.
The attackers targeted mainly the Kikuyu, but also the Kisii, the
Luhya, and the Luo, other non-Kalenjin and non-Maasai communities
were not spared. The attacks were barbaric, callous and calculated
to drive out the targeted groups from their farms, to cripple them
economically and to psychologically traumatize them. Many of the
victims were forced to camp in schools, church compounds and
shopping centres. There they lived in makeshift structures of
polythene sheets, cardboard and similar materials. They had little
food and belongings with them and lived in poor sanitary conditions
with their children who could no longer go to school. There was also a
general lack of concern by the Provincial administration and the Police
Force for their security and general welfare.
91. In general, the clashes started and ended suddenly,