Kenya Defence Force to be deployed in Moyale

By CYRUS OMBATI

Moyale County: The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been put on standby to act on claims that foreigners could be involved in the Moyale conflict.

 Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku said KDF has been mobilised to monitor the issue of possible involvement of foreigners even as he urged the local leadership to solve the conflict.

 “Should there be any foreign elements participating in the conflict, they will be dealt with by the full force of the law,” he said.

 Lenku, speaking in Nairobi yesterday, told the Marsabit County leaders to ensure all clans in the area are included in leadership matters.

“We are informed the clashes broke out because some clans feel they were deliberately locked out of the leadership, but we are engaging the local leaders to ensure there is inclusiveness as part of efforts to solve the conflict,” said Lenku.

The clashes have so far claimed more than 10 lives and displaced thousands. Moyale borders Ethiopia and there have been claims some people from the neighbouring country were involved in the attacks.

Lenku said he plans to visit the area as part of efforts to solve the conflict and called for calm and patience as security forces and community leaders undertake the work to resolve the conflict.

Business premises and homes were torched in the area as violence escalated between the major clans of Borana, Burji, Gabra, Gharre and others living in the area.

 All political leaders from the county were last week summoned to Nairobi for a dressing down by officials at the Interior ministry headquarters in connection with the violence.

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said he had directed the grilling of the leaders from the region as part of investigations into the attacks.

The leaders are still expected to face the police at CID for formal questioning, Kimaiyo said.

“The Moyale conflict is being investigated with a view to bringing to book those found to have committed various offences, which include murder, arson, looting and incitement, both political and social. The financiers or sympathisers will also not be spared.”