By Cyrus Ombati
At least three more villagers have been killed in fresh attacks targeting Tana Delta region even as more police officers and senior government officials were flown there.
Reports say the attacks took place in Semikaro and Nduru areas and several houses were torched. The attack that was targeting both the Orma and Pokomos happened at about 7am on Tuesday, just after the dusk to dawn curfew imposed by President Kibaki on Monday night.
The attack took place ahead of the arrival of senior government officials led by acting internal security minister Yusuf Haji, commissioner of police Mathew Iteere, acting Administration Police commandant Samuel Arachi, CID director Ndegwa Muhoro and head of National Intelligence Services Michael Gichangi.
The officials are expected to visit the Tana Delta on Tuesday where clashes that left some 38 people including nine police officers dead in Monday's attack.
Haji and Iteere are expected to hold rallies in the area together with the local leaders as part of efforts to tame the violence that has so far claimed more than 100 people in less than a month.
Iteere flew there Monday evening but did not stay for long and he flew back to Malindi where he spent the night.
Iteere said he wanted to witness the situation on the ground and understand the logistics that his officers want to be able to contain the situation.
He added he wanted to appraise himself with the logistical support and reinforcement required for the police formations deployed in the area to pursue the raiders and bring them to book.
It will be the first time that Haji who is the MP for neighbouring Ijara constituency will be visiting the area. He has been accused by some local leaders as being part of the problem facing the Tana Delta.
Police say they are pursuing new leads into those behind the violence and indicate the attacks have turned political.
President Kibaki ordered a dusk to dawn curfew and deployment of officers in a bid to tame the violence. But his order could be misguided given the past attacks have taken place during day time.
