Six killed in 48 hours in fresh attacks near Isiolo-Wajir border

ISIOLO,Kenya, Jan, 10 – Six people have been killed in Urura village, Merti sub-county in the last 48 hours in fresh attacks between two communities along the Isiolo-Wajir border.

Police say the two communities, Borana and Degodia, have engaged in the conflict for almost a fortnight over livestock and territorial dispute.

This past Wednesday, two brothers aboard a motorcycle were shot dead by unknown assailants.

Four other herders were also ambushed Thursday night and shot on the head.

Tension, according to authorities and locals, remains high in the now volatile region.

Security personnel have since been deployed to the area in an attempt to restore peace.

Residents however say that more needs to be done to end the perennial clashes that have been claiming the lives of innocent Kenyans for a while.

“I have lived in this area all my life and we are constantly living in fear, every time we think peace has been achieved people are killed,” a local who sought anonymity told Shahidi News.

Reports have indicated that close to 50 people have been killed in the area, between the common border of Isiolo and Wajir in the last two years.

According to community elder Dabasso Halkano, the constant wrangles and killings are as a result of natural resources, a source of livelihood for the pastoralist communities.

“Those involved in the crimes must be arrested, we need peace. In the meantime, the government must come to the ground and support communities with basic amenities such as food and clothing since many have now fled their homes,” the community elder said.

Isiolo Governor Mohammed Kuti, has decried the state of insecurity in the county saying they have borne the brunt of attacks along their borders.

“We need a police station to be established in the area. This way law enforcers can respond to similar attacks effectively.” the Governor said.

An administration office in Eldera, near Isiolo-Wajir border was vandalized by unknown people this past week as officials fled due to constant intimidation and insecurity.

Learning in some schools in the area is also yet to resume.