Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku meets leaders, resolve to share resources, end tribal clashes

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku (centre) addresses the Press [PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE/STANDARD]

By ABIGAEL SUM

Nairobi,KENYA: Elected leaders from Marsabit County have initiated talks in an effort to find a lasting solution to the perennial inter-clan clashes in the region.

A closed door meeting chaired by Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku, resolved to share resources equitably to stem the flare ups.

“The elected leaders have agreed to share available resources in the County so that no one will feel disadvantaged in terms of employment and other opportunities to avoid any further conflict. The leaders have demonstrated a commitment to maintain peace for the common good of the people of Marsabit,” said Mr Lenku.

He urged the county government to share information with all elected leaders to avoid mistrust and distortion of meaningful agenda.

The Cabinet Secretary pledged that the government would step up peace efforts and ensure security of the people. Marsabit County Governor Ukur Yatani noted that the clashes have affected the economy of the area after business premises were destroyed.

“When a section of the County is burning, it is hurting our economy. Peace is our interest so as to forge the county ahead. The hostility in the county would make it very difficult to host the investment conference scheduled for next month and thus the need for peace and stability for us to prosper as a county,” said Amb Yatani.

Displaced people

The governor appealed to residents in possession of illegal arms to surrender them to allow normalcy to resume.

Lenku said the government has information that militia groups from the neighbouring countries are behind the tribal clashes that left scores dead and at least 40,000 people displaced. 

“All foreign elements who are aggravating conflicts must be arrested and face prosecution and all responsible leaders held accountable. Any of the leaders found culpable of instigating violence will face the full force of the law and there will be no gaps for escape,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

Governments’ records indicate that at least 13 people died a fortnight ago in fresh attacks.

The inter-clan clashes last week forced families to flee to Wajir and the neighboring country after their homes were burnt down and kin killed. More than 30 primary and secondary schools in Moyale town were closed following the clashes.

Moyale MP Ruba Duba expressed optimism that reconciliation efforts being championed by elected leaders in the county would provide a lasting solution to end the clashes.

“By starting the dialogue process we are sending out a message that it is our responsibility as leaders to call for sustainable peace because without dialogue, we can never find a solution. We urge people to support dialogue which will in the long run ensure a win-win situation for all of us,” said Mr Duba.

The MP said there is need for the community and the National Government to join in the peace efforts. The leaders assured of the county government’s commitment to implement development programmes and co-operation with the national Government to ensure peace and tranquillity is restored in Moyale and other parts of the County.

They also resolved to engage renowned peacemakers to identify the underlying issues and seek possible solutions.