The U.S. government on Saturday strongly condemned the renewed violence in Kenya's Tana River region, which left at least 41 people dead.

In a written statement, the White House said that the new development represents "a disturbing escalation of the tragic violence witnessed by these communities in August and September."

The U.S. statement came after at least 41 people were reportedly killed in fresh inter-clan clashes between two rival ethnic groups on Friday in the southeastern Tana River region of Kenya. Authorities in the African country said that a group of ethnic Pokomo, armed with spears and firearms, raided a village belonging to the Orma people.

The White House urged all relevant parties in the East African nation to "bring an end to this deadly cycle of conflict" and " hold to account the perpetrators of these heinous acts."

"The United States urges the people of Kenya to assert their rights through peaceful means, as provided for in Kenya's constitution, so that all Kenyans may realize a secure, democratic, and prosperous future," said the statement.

Kenya is grappling with sporadic conflicts in the Tana Delta area in the south, where clans often fight over water and pasture.

Tension and rivalry between the Pokomo and Orma communities have lasted for decades, and have led to the deaths of 120 people and over 5,000 displacements since August this year.