By LUCAS NG’ASIKE and CYRUS OMBATI

The Government has announced a disarmament exercise targeting the Tana Delta and North Eastern region following clashes that have left more than 50 people dead.

A new police division has been created in the Tana Delta while more police posts will be created.

Further, security agents working in the affected areas will be provided with more vehicles.

Acting Internal Security Minister, Yusuf Haji said all provincial administration officials in those areas would be henceforth held accountable if more attacks happen.

“We have agreed the Government will disarm all communities illegally armed to reinforce security in the affected areas,” said Haji.

He made the remarks in Nairobi after holding a meeting with members of Parliament from the Tana Delta and North Eastern Province where clashes between communities have claimed more than 50 human lives and had 100 cows slashed to death.

Legal action

The minister said investigations have been launched to establish the cause of the attacks adding that legal action would be taken against the inciters. Haji said the leaders also agreed to spearhead peace meetings in the affected areas.

At the same time, Prime Minister, Raila Odinga has condemned Tana River massacre.

Raila said it was unfortunate for Kenyan communities to kill each other and called on security machinery to act very fast and quell the violence. The inter-ethnic clashes were reportedly caused by competition for pasture and water generating animosity among the groups.

The PM who addressed hundreds of Lodwar residents at Kenyatta Museum in Lodwar town yesterday, said such acts of spilling blood was unacceptable.

“We appeal to all Kenyans to unite and shun tribal conflicts to drive away forces of impunity that threaten to destabilise peace,” Raila said.

The PM warned that the Government would bring to book those behind the massacre of innocent Kenyans.

“Our security forces must be on high alert to protect the lives and properties of innocent Kenyans. Acts of criminal injustices and hooliganism cannot be tolerated,” he added.