David Kimaiyo directs Mandera and Wajir governors to record statements over interclan clashes

IG David Kimaiyo. He has instructed the CID to question Mandera and Wajir governors over interclan clashes in the two counties.

Kenya: Inspector General of police David Kimaiyo has directed governors of Mandera and Wajir to record police statements over clashes in the two counties that have left dozens dead and many displaced.

Kimaiyo told the Director of CID to grill the leaders in a bid to establish who is behind the attacks, the latest being at the weekend in which more than 20 people were killed, 14 wounded and 30 houses burnt.

Another attack happened Monday morning but there were scanty details on those involved and casualties.

He said investigations have shown the conflicts in the area between the Garreh and Degodia clans are being perpetrated by known people from the two communities.

“The Governors, of the two counties, Members of the Parliament, Senators, the local leadership and the elders, some of whom are based in Nairobi know about these killings.  Some of them finance these illegal activities that are perpetrated by their respective communities,” said Kimaiyo.

The police boss challenged the leaders to come out forthwith and stop the heinous and cruel acts, directed to innocent people.

He warned the leaders not to incite people against each other and expect the police to go and fight the same people they are supposed to protect.

He said the Sunday incident happened at around 6am at Gunana area, when armed militia believed to be from Garreh community surrounded the area AP Post and engaged the officers in a fierce gun battle as another group of attackers proceeded to the nearby village occupied by the Degodia.

They attacked the villagers resulting to the death of 20 people and injury of 14 others, he added.

“As the leaders come together to stop these atrocities, I am calling them to report immediately to the Director of Criminal Investigations who has set a team of investigators to record their statements with a view of preferring charges to any perpetrators.”

He said more police officers led by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (AP) Samuel Arachi were sent to the area Monday morning.

Kimaiyo asked the leadership of the communities that border each other where cattle rustling menace happens almost on daily/weekly basis. They include Igembe West, Tigania East, Isiolo, Samburu, Turkana South and East, West Pokot and Baringo.