Patrick Lumumba posted to quell Wajir-Mandera clan conflicts

Security personnel patrols deserted Gunani village in Tarbaj Constituency, Wajir County. [PHOTO: PIUS CHERUIYOT]

NAIROBI, COUNTY: A new police commander has been posted to North Eastern region to co-ordinate security operations amid growing inter-clan tensions.

Former Nairobi area head of traffic Patrick Lumumba will be the new North Eastern Regional Police Commander. He replaces Henry Barmao who has been moved to police headquarters at Vigilance House.

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said the changes were normal and are aimed at enhancing security operations.

In the changes, Ngong OCPD Mohamed Farah was also moved to Mumias in the same capacity, swapping positions with George Seda.

North Eastern towns — Garissa, Mandera and Wajir — have been facing serious security challenges, which include inter-clan feuds and terrorism.

Terrorists have left a trail of destruction and death in the region. There have been few arrests as the attackers seem to master the area well. Many believe they are members of Somalia's Al-Shabaab militants.

The recent attacks in the area left more than 30 people dead and thousands displaced.

Kimaiyo ordered last week that leaders of Mandera and Wajir counties, including governors, senators and MPs, be grilled over the violence pitting the Gare and Degodia clans.

CID Director Ndegwa Muhoro visited the area last Friday and said more than 60 new security agents would be deployed there.

"We are still pursuing leads to these attacks and have recorded statements from a number of leaders as part of the investigations," he said amid complaints that locals police officers are part of the problem.

Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police, Samuel Arachi, had earlier visited the area and announced that new posts for both Rapid Deployment Unit and General Service Unit would be opened in the region.

Schools in the area remain closed amid fear of retaliation.

Thousands of people from both warring clans are in IDP camps across the two counties with a humanitarian crisis growing.