Trail of destruction in Isiolo Town as communities clash

Warring communities engage each other in fight and running battles in Isiolo Town, forcing police to intervene. (Photo:Bruno Mutunga/Standard)

Scores of people were injured as warring Meru and Borana communities clashed violently in Isiolo Town Friday, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The street battle started in the town centre and later spread to estates as the two sides fought using stones and other crude weapons for the better part of Friday.

The Meru side was protesting the killing of a motorcycle rider at Gambella in Tigania East on Thursday afternoon and a second man was gunned down by Flying Squad officers at Kambi Juu estate in Isiolo Central on Thursday night.

''The man who was killed near Pepo la Tumaini is a wanted criminal. The police recovered an AK-47 rifle from him,'' said Isiolo Deputy Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto Friday.

“'It’s rumours that led to the street fight. Gambella incident occurred in Tigania East and the other incident has nothing to do with clan clashes,'' clarified Mr Rutto.

There was massive looting in the town forcing businesses to close as early as 10am. The Meru manned southern part of the town and Kulamawe estate while the Borana later joined by Somali and Turkana manned the other parts.

Isak Ali, who operates a clothing shop said he lost merchandise worth Sh500,000 after rowdy youth broke into his outlet.

The youth also targeted homes and business premises of their rivals where at least 10 buildings were damaged and one set on fire.

Al-Falah Primary School closed early and parents asked to pick their children after three tear gas canisters were thrown into the compound by anti-riot police.

''We do not know why the police threw the teargas into the school and yet it was far from the scenes in town and no protester has entered the compound,'' said a teacher who declined to be named.

The protesting youths also threw stones at the main Jamia Mosque.

Police had hectic time trying to remove boulders placed on the road from the market up to Maili Tatu.

Two army tanks from 78 Tank Battalion were seen patrolling the affected sections of the road leading to Meru and Nanyuki.

''We managed to bring the situation under control by 1.30 pm,'' said the administrator.

More than 20 people found taking part in the street fight were arrested and the Deputy Commissioner said they are looking for organizers of the fracas.

''There are people some of them leaders who planned this street fight. Police are looking for them,'' he said