A resident in Dukana watching the remains of his house after ethnic conflict clashes. Photo: BHB Chalbi.
The security committee in Dukana area Marsabit county, is planning to hold a meeting to investigate the root cause of the conflict that erupted between two communities living in the area, and led to four people losing their lives.
According to a member of the peace committee in the area, Kizito Konchora Abduba, there is need for elders from the two conflicting communities to sit down and seek a lasting solution.
Speaking to the media, Kizito also urged the county and national governments to provide necessary assistance to residents who fled their homes after the conflict and their houses torched.
“We are looking for a solution to unite Gabbra and Warji communities. We want to understand the lasting solution and the root cause of their enmity, if it is a traditional solution or an emerging challenge. My call to both governments is to ensure they all receive support now,” Kizito said.
Kizito has also called on the government to successfully repatriate those who were displaced, while calling on both communities not to retaliate.
“Some of the houses belonging to the families were torched. I will ask the well-wishers to help the affected communities to relocate while we seek a solution between elders of the two conflicting communities,” he added.
Kizito’s statement was supported by Golo Bobo, who mentioned that the government has already initiated measures to ensure that the stolen livestock is recovered.
Bobo has also called on the government to provide food and other essential items to those affected so that they can return to their normal lives.
“I have seen stolen goats have been recovered, while names have been taken for those whose goats are missing, at least something is going on, but I urge the government and stakeholders to donate food to the victims as there has been no food in the past three days. We hope that peace will be restored in the area,” he remarked.
The meeting comes as 18 suspects linked to the conflict have been arrested according to Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau, and 145 goats recovered in the security operation in the area. additionally, Governor Mahmoud Ali called on residents to promote peace to foster development in area.
