Military deployed in Mandera

Deputy President William Ruto, Tarbaj MP Mohammed Elmi (centre) and MP Mandera West Mohammud Mohammed confer during a leaders meeting to discuss on ways to contain security in Mandera county [picture; rebecca  nduku]

BY FELIX OLICK

Mandera, Kenya: The Government has deployed the military in Mandera to disarm the militia terrorising residents and would send additional police officers for reinforcement following the escalation of inter clan clashes.

Deputy President William Ruto confirmed on Saturday that the military have been sent to the region to disarm the militia most of whom are believed to have crossed over from Ethiopia.

He also said that the Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo would send between 150 to 200 police officers in the next five days to help contain security situation which he said was quickly deteriorating.  

“The military has been sent in the region to disarm and remove all the militia, both local and foreign in Mandera County. We are also going to engage diplomatically with the friendly nation of Ethiopia on border security,” Ruto said.

The decision was made following deliberation between Ruto, Kimaiyo and elected leaders from Mandera and Wajir Counties.

On Friday, violence between the Gare and Degodia clans escalated leaving four people dead around Rhamu town.

Ruto on Saturday confirmed that about 15 schools in the region have not reopened for the second term and about 1,500 people have camped in various police stations within the county.

Following their meeting, Ruto said that various leaders across the region had agreed to spearhead reconciliation and would continue to meet at the local level to enhance peace.

He announced that the Government will distribute food and non-food items to the residents to restore their lives to normalcy.

Mandera County Governor Ibrahim Roba asked the locals to willingly disarm insisting that the situation is getting out of hand.

“We appeal to the people to willingly disarm. The situation in its current state is unacceptable. We cannot have militia ruling the country,” Roba insisted.