Wajir North MP threatens to lead locals to Ethiopia over killings

An MP has asked the national government to intervene and stop "senseless killings" in Wajir County.

Wajir North legislator Ibrahim Saney said the inter-clan clashes along the borders of Eldas and Wajir North constituencies have left scores dead and several others injured in the last couple of days.

Mr Saney threatened to lead Wajir North locals in seeking refuge in Ethiopia should the government fail to stop the clashes.

"As at now, one person from Ajuran community has died and four others injured. Two people from Degodia tribe have also sustained injuries," he said.

"The Ajuran community has gone to Ethiopia before to seek refuge. If this scenario goes unabated, there is a strong likelihood that the community will go back to Ethiopia to seek refuge if the Kenyan government fails to protect the lives of its own people," he warned.

Saney accused certain political leaders for allegedly fueling the fights, stating that it was "backward thinking and dictatorial".

"When new boundaries were created, Eldas (Constituency) was curved from Wajir West Constituency and now stands as a constituency. But it seems some leaders there are not satisfied with the demarcation done," he said, adding that they are now "hell-bent on extending their territory thus affecting Wajir North Constituency".

He accused the political leaders from Eldas for allegedly violating agreement reached in effort to bring harmony between the two communities.

"Senior politicians who have mastered the art of manipulation and misinterpretation of facts have continued to use government institutions for their own selfish interests," he charged.

The lawmaker claimed Administration Police was being used to aid one community in the clashes.

"The composition of the local administration is made up of majorly the largest tribe. AP vehicles are now being used to ferry bandits and officers. They are also being used to fetch water for bandits," he added.

"Security operations have also become lopsided targeting one side of the feuding clans. I have severally complained with no proper cause of action coming fourth.

He asked the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Joseph Nkaissery and the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to visit the area in a bid to contain the fights.