A rise in ethnic clashes that has increased the number of dead bodies in Marsabit County has sparked intense security measures that have seen Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed, North Horr MP Chachu Nganya and his Saku counterpart Ali Rasso record statements with the police concerning the inter-ethnic clashes that claimed at least 10 lives.
The leaders spent at least four hours each being grilled by the Eastern Regional Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss Mr John Gachomo, but each distanced themselves from the fights.
Mr Gachomo said they had information politicians from rival communities were funding the flare-ups and inciting violence.
He said an MP and MCA who had been adversely mentioned during the interrogation would be summoned.
Previously, during a visit in Marsabit, the Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet promised locals of police action overt the Oronderi attack.Mr Boinnet had ordered the arrest of legislators and politicians steering the clashes, but police were yet to complete investigations and arrest suspects.
Four people have died recently in an ethnic attack in Shurr village, Marsabit County.The attack claimed the lives of three people belonging to the community in Shurr and one of the assailants..
Bubisa chief Wako Mamo warned that clashes between two communities in the area is ongoing and could lead to more injuries and deaths if security is not increased.
Back in September seven people were left nursing injuries after two clans clashed during a traditional sacrifice ceremony in Marsabit County.
Marsabit Administration Police Commander Elisha Odhiambo said the clans conflicted over which would slaughter the camel meant to be sacrificed.
Mr Odhiambo said that the two groups used pangas to attack each other leaving seven injured.
“Despite the fact that the ethnic group have it clear that only one clan can slaughter the camel, differences arose as to who would oversee the sacrifice ceremony before they attacked each other with pangas,” said Mr Odhiambo.
“There is nobody who is above the law. People must live in harmony in this country. We don’t want our leaders promoting warlike activities and then inciting the communities against each other resulting in loss of life,” said Mr Gachomo.
Mr Mohamed went to record a police statement accompanied by MP Rasso, Senator Godana Hargura, Woman Rep Safia Adan, Moyale MP Qalicha Wario and his Laisamis counterpart Marselino Malimo and a host of MCAs.
He distanced himself from the clashes, claiming that in all the instances when clashes have occurred, he was away on official duty.
Mr Mohamed said the local leaders had in September drafted a raft of measures that would help resolve the conflict but accused the former governor Ukur Yatani, who is the current Labour Cabinet Secretary, of frustrating peace efforts.The governor said he supports a disarmament proposal to get rid of illegal firearms, adding he has urged the Interior CS Fred Matiang’I to transfer police officer perceived of bias.