Thursday, September 11, 2014
Mandera, Kenya: Two people were Wednesday killed and one wounded in fresh inter-clan attacks in Darkale area, Banisa, Mandera County.
Locals say more than 100 camels were stolen in the incident that happened about 10 kilometers from Banisa town breaking a ceasefire that had earlier on been agreed between the local leaders and feuding clans.
Mandera County Assembly Majority Leader Robow Mohamed said the Darkale attack is the second since the weekend ceasefire agreement that was witnessed by security chiefs. North Eastern regional police chief Patrick Lumumba said he had heard of the attack and added he did not have more details on it.
``We have sent a team to the ground to confirm more but witnesses say there are deaths and injuries`` said Lumumba.
The incident happened as Inspector General of police David Kimaiyo said five leaders from Mandera County have recorded statements with police and 43 suspects arrested in connection with the ongoing inter-clan fighting in the area that has left more than a dozen people dead and others displaced.
Kimaiyo said he expects more Mandera and Wajir Counties leaders to record cautionary statements at the respective headquarters.
``I urge all leaders and members of the community in this region to desist from protecting criminal and law breakers in the name of community,``said Kimaiyo.
He said three AK 47 rifles and 423 bullets have so far been recovered in an operation that is ongoing in the area.
Kimaiyo urged the leaders in the area to ensure they stick to the agreed upon issues to ensure peace at large.
Violence has been the order of the day in the past weeks prompting interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and Kimaiyo to visit the area.
Three people including two police officers were shot and injured in an ambush on Sunday ahead of the visit. The officers have since been flown to Nairobi.
Lenku had announced that a group of eminent persons is to be appointed to spearhead a structured and long-lasting peace process for resolving the inter-clan conflict in the area.
More than 50 people have been killed and hundreds displaced in the clashes since May this year the latest being last week. Among the agreements include disarming the militia that are operating in the area and targeting civilians.
``The Mandera and Wajir County and respective sub County security committees in the two counties will henceforth be held responsible for any incidences of insecurity in their areas of jurisdiction,``said Lenku.
He added the government will monitor movements of armed gangs in the border between Kenya and Ethiopia to tame further attacks.
Further, the government will provide humanitarian assistance of food and non-food items to all displaced persons in the area and facilitate the opening of all schools and other public utilities.
The perennial fighting between the Garre and Degodia clans of Mandera and Wajir counties have been attributed to political and historical border disputes.
The clashes between Garre and Degodia clans lasted over days but locals say there is still tension and there could be retaliations anytime.
It at one time forced the Kenya Redcross to suspend its activities briefly over insecurity.
Secretary general Abas Gullet said since May 13, 2014 there has been ongoing fighting between Degodia and Garre communities some 51 people have died, 95 injured and a total of 13,536 displaced in the area alone.