By Boniface Ongeri
The Borana community Tuesday agreed to pay Sh800, 000 for the killing of a Somali herdsman during a public baraza in Sericho location, Isiolo County.
Ahmed Abdikadir Mohamud was killed last February when attending a peace meeting called by the area chief Abdullahi Gonjobe to discuss a dispute over a watering point between the two communities from Isiolo and Wajir.
Scores of others were injured sparking tensions on the two county borders.
However, during a meeting held in Habaswein between the two Communities, the Borana agreed to pay the family of the deceased the blood money in installments.
In the meeting, the Borana paid sh131, 000 and promised to pay Sh334,000 in October 28 when the two are expected to meet.
They further promised to clear the balance at a date to be set then. At the same meeting, Sh170, 000 which was stolen from the deceased herdsman when he was killed was returned.
They also paid Sh30, 000 to cater for transportation of another herdsman Abdinoor Ibrahim Osman who was critically injured. They promised to cater for all medical expenses of the injured who is admitted at the Garissa Provincial Hospital.
The deal was negotiated by the Wajir Peace and Development Agency (WPDC), Wasda and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
During the meeting attended by District Commissioners from Garbatula, Merti, Wajir West and Habaswein, Sericho location Chief Abdullahi Gonjobe was accused of being a bystander as the herdsman was killed by armed men.
Ademasajida Ward Councilor Abdirahaman Ahmed said the chief watched as crudely armed men from his location arrived in two pick-up vehicle in the meeting and started attacking the herdsmen from Wajir.
At one time, the Wajir delegation walked out of the meeting claiming the government condoned impunity by retaining the chief.
