MARSABIT,Kenya, Mar, 7 – Tension remains high in Marsabit county following two separate incidents in a span of just hours where unknown gunmen ambushed vehicles along the Marsabit-Moyale highway.
According to preliminary reports, the first incident occurred at around 2.35 pm where the gunmen sprayed bullets indiscriminately on three vehicles plying the Marsabit -Segel road. The vehicles are said to have been heading towards the Maikona area.
Seven people among them a police officer was injured during the attack.
Officials at there Marsabit Referral Hospital say that the victims sustained gunshot injuries on their hand, legs, shoulder and knee.
The injured police officer sustained gunshot wounds on his thigh and chest. He is said to have been on escort duties along the road when the attacks occurred.
A contingent of officers from the General Service unit (GSU), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Kenya Police were deployed to the area, however no gunman was arrested amidst investigations.
Hours later meanwhile at around 6.30pm another attack was reported, with unknown assailants targeting a bus playing the Marsabit-Moyale highway.
Three people sustained gunshot injuries with one later said to have succumbed to his injuries.
“Two are receiving treatment at the Marsabit Referral Hospital,” said police.
A security operation has been mounted in the area amidst fears of other attacks according to residents.
President Kenyatta Calls For Peace
In February, President Uhuru Kenyatta cautioned area leaders that failure to bring forward a concrete strategy to stop the conflicts will push the Government to deploy security agencies with strict instructions to forcefully end insecurity in the county.
“My dear friends from Marsabit you should sit down together and decide that you want peace amongst yourselves. You must agree amongst yourselves and bring me the solution because you have it. I will call you after two weeks, if you do not bring an agreed solution then you will have decided that the Government intervenes and you know what that means,” the President said.
President Kenyatta spoke at State House, Nairobi, onFebruary,22,2022 when he hosted a delegation of leaders from Marsabit, Isiolo and Tana River counties.
The President emphasized the need for Marsabit leaders to change their approach and work together to promote unity instead of fuelling conflicts among residents.
“Peace is an important thing that brings a lot of benefits. Make peace so that you can benefit fully by being at the center of government. Instead of focusing on war and petty tribal clashes, focus on how you will uplift the lives of the people of Marsabit County,” President Kenyatta said.
Saying he has worked with many leaders with a view of building a strong and stable country, the President urged Marsabit leaders to embrace the same approach to ensure their county is peaceful.
He once again advised leaders across the country not to allow political competition to undermine peace and security urging them to work together towards uniting all Kenyans.
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