By Ali Abdi

Sporadic clashes between Isiolo and Samburu East residents have flared since December 2007.

More than 70 people, including scores of security officers, have been killed and more than 5,000 livestock stolen.

The violent gun-battle clashes have occurred in Kom, Gotu, Gachuru in Ntonyiri, Kipsing areas and West Gate in Central division.

Both the government through the police and the provincial administration and area leaders give conflicting reasons on the root causes.

Initial response when the raiders from Samburu East crossed into Isiolo and neighbouring Ntonyiri during the post-election violence was that it was a usual cattle rustling incident.

However what baffled local security stakeholders including NGO officials was the pattern

Isiolo leaders accuse both the Samburu and Turkana of colluding with their kin from Samburu East to attack them.

In turn, Isiolo leaders led by area MP Dr Mohamed Kuti who is also the minister for Livestock Development were accused of attempts to evict the Samburu and Turkana from their grazing zones notably West Gate, Ngaremara and Kipsing among other places.

This line of arguement was dismissed by both Kuti and the the Eastern Provincial Commissioner David Jakaiti.

The PC said the conflcit was neither political nor meant to evict any community.

The conflcit was worsened by ta security operation that captured suspected stolen cattle and compensated those who had lost theirs.

Last month the operation was halted at the last minute by Internal Security Minister Saitoti .