Two people have been killed and several houses torched following clashes between Gabra and Borana herdsmen over pasture in Horonder village, Marsabit County. Two other people are nursing bullet injuries.
Saku Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Orambui Nyakwara said Police managed to control the gun battle that lasted for more than an hour.
“We have contained the situation and there are no attacks at the moment. Police have been deployed in the area,” Mr Nyakwara said.
Marsabit County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo said investigations are underway and appealed for calm adding that the culprits behind the skirmishes will not be spared.
Kitiyo noted that the host community had complained about a large number of animals brought in to graze but the animals exceeded the agreed number.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohammed Ali through a statement has condemned the attacks and called on residents to remain calm as a lasting solution is sought.
“I call on everyone from every community to remain calm as we work towards an immediate return to normalcy. Let us protect and defend jealously our hard earned unity in diversity, peace and the stability we have been enjoying.” He said.
North Horr MP Chachu Ganya said the clashes should not have happened since the county security team had prior intelligence of the impending attack.
“Two days ago, some people from a different community came and settled at Orondere. The residents called their leaders and I specifically talked to people from the county commissioner’s office,” Mr Ganya said.
