Assailants butcher tax collector

By Ali Abdi

Moyale, Kenya: A government employee was butchered and a homeguard shot as tensions escalated in Moyale and Saku over the weekend.

The sub-county revenue collector was cornered near Odha village in Moyale and slaughtered with a sword.  His two colleagues, however, managed to escape unscathed. The man, identified as Ali Koto was killed along Odha-Dabel road early Sunday while heading towards Odha.

‘‘The deceased’s throat was slit with a sword. Two of his friends escaped. They were demanding for money before killing him,’’ said an NGO official in Moyale who requested not to be identified.

Marsabit County Commissioner Isaiah Nakoru who held a crisis security meeting said the incidence marked a recurrence of inter-clan conflict in the area. In Saku, the headquarters of the county, a homeguard escorting women to sell milk to Karare market was shot and injured Sunday morning between Songa and Karare.

Marsabit Central DC Kipchumba Rutto said the police reservist was shot in both legs and was rushed to Kituruni dispensary.

‘‘The area is near Mt Marsabit Forest, both police and Kenya Wildlife Service rangers are pursuing the attackers,’’ said Mr Rutto.

The attacks happened as the road between Turbi and Moyale remained closed for the fifth day running.