Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau adressing journalists on Monday, he confirmed the death of 4 people following tribal clashes. Photo: IBSE GUMMI.
Four people have been reported dead following inter-clash conflict between two tribes in North Horr Constituency in Marsabit County.
Confirming the incident, Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau while addressing journalists on Monday, May 19. According to Kamau, two young men were found dead two days ago, in what appeared to be a vengeful attack, which happened on Sunday night, two other people were killed while a pregnant woman was left nursing gunshot injuries following an attack linked to animal theft.
” Two mutilated bodies who had been shot died in North Horr, we had a meeting yesterday and agreed that the affected community give the government time to take up the matter. Later in the night two men were killed in North Horr, and on the same night one pregnant woman from Dukana was shot but is in stable condition,” Kamau confirmed.
Following the night attack, houses belonging to one community were tortured, with Kamau urging the families to look for safety and secured shelters before a solution is settled. He assured the members of the security situation under control, with government reinforcing officers in the affected areas.
“The sub-county teams from Dukana and North Horr seriously engaged the locals, mapped all the areas where that vulnerable communities comes from that is Wayu, it was also established that some of them are located in Dukana, some of the areas in North Horr. They were further advised because of their numbers that they move to safe areas, most of them are in police stations and a number of settlements for the Wayu has been burnt. At the moment the security is under control as we continue to do massive reinforcement in the affected areas,” he stated.
The kills have been condemned by different peace stakeholders within the county, Adan Chukulisa, Chairperson Peace Ambassadors in Marsabit, has called on security agencies in the county to ensure that those involved have been arrested and charged. He further cautioned the communities from taking revenge as its impacts are the leading cause to the clashes.
“People should not take action for themselves leave it to the government and security officers, instead of taking action, one should report to the officers charged with the duty to protect the people together with their properties. Security officers should go to the ground, investigate and ensure all those involved are arrested and taken to court,” Chukulisa.
Echoing the his colleague, Nuria Gollo a human rights activist in Marsabit has urged residents to solve their differences with peaceful plans, and desist from inciting each other along tribal lines.
“We don not want a repeat of what has happened, we should focus on ensuring this things do not occur and people to live in peace. Let’s avoid taking actions by ourselves but leave it to security officers,” Gollo added.
Representing the county government of Marsabit, Chief Officer devolution Amina Challa said the government will offer support to the affected families, as both leaders and residents urged to avoid sentiments that could lead to conflict.
