Five more killed in Wajir inter-clan conflict

By CYRUS OMBATI

Wajir, Kenya: Five more people were killed in an attack on a village in Wajir County in the ongoing inter-clan conflict.

Police and villagers of Hogorale village said the deceased were all from the Murule clan, and people believed to be from the Gareh clan on Tuesday attacked them.

“We are burying those who were killed in an attack on a manyatta and the main fears are that there will be retaliations. That is a fact,” said a local police commander who asked not to be named.

Kenya Red Cross officials said the death toll from the ongoing inter-clan fighting has hit 85 while close to 100 have been injured.

KRC tallies show up to 75 people were referred for specialised treatment after the attacks.

Communications Manager Nelly Muluka said the figures do not include those of Wajir where the violence spread to, two weeks ago.

“Our tally since late last year when the violence broke out in Mandera County alone has hit 85 deaths and we had 96 serious injuries,” said Muluka.

She added there are more than 3,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in both Mandera and Wajir Counties out of inter-clan feuds.

Government officials from the two counties said more of the IDPs were arriving from villages over fears of more attacks.

“We are facing a humanitarian crisis because the IDPs are flocking into various camps on a daily basis,” said a senior administration officer from the area.

Four people were on Monday night wounded in a grenade attack in Wajir Town. The attack, which is linked to the ongoing inter-clan killings in the area, came even as President Uhuru warned the Government will use force to restore peace in Wajir and Mandera Counties if the fighting there continues.

Yesterday, tension continued to mount both in Mandera and Wajir with Interior Minister Joseph ole Lenku assuring the locals of the Government’s commitment to contain the situation.

“Apart from increasing the number of police officers, more trucks, police patrol cars and enough resources have also been channeled towards the area,” said ole Lenku.