Clashes continue in Moyale

The violence in Moyale continued as a ten year old boy was killed by armed bandits in Butiye estate in Moyale and four others injured in a fresh attack on Thursday.

The four injured villagers were admitted at Moyale district hospital with slight gunshot wounds according to Kenya Redcross society Moyale coordinator Dr Abdub Dabasa.

Dr Dabassa and his team of KRCS officials also came under two grenade attacks as they head to violence hit area in rescue mission. However, none of the officers were injured since the explosives failed to detonate.

The warring tribes of Borana and Gabra engaged each other in 10 hours of gun battle since 11 am on Thursday in Butiye estate. The violence which broke out in Helu on Tuesday spread to other parts of the district.

Unconfirmed reports also indicate that eight people fighting in the bushes were killed but Moyale DC Mr. Elias Kithaura downplayed the claims saying there are no reports of any death or injuries.

“Police did not receive any injury reports or collect any dead bodies in the areas but we are surveying the area,” said Mr. Kithaura.

Mr. Kithaura said police and Kenya military officers have been deployed to the Butiye, Gurumesa and Helu areas where the communities have been fighting since November last year albeit intermittently. (READ: Police arrest 26 suspects over Moyale, Isiolo attacks)

The violence in the area has sucked in Ethiopian foreign fighters from both communities to take part in the tribal conflict on the Kenya side. The fighting has disrupted transport in the area since Tuesday as authorities could not allow vehicles to leave the town since it was insecure to travel.

Business has taken the beating at this time when the tribes clash around the town. Shops have not opened for better part of the week while commercial banks in the town closed on Thursday for fear of invasion by rowdy mob.

About ten schools in Moyale have not opened for first term this year and the teachers and pupils have not reported for fear of attacks.

Form one selection and reporting to school in Moyale boys and girls secondary schools has been disrupted by the clashes in the area. The schools have a student population of over 1000 between them.

Primary schools in Helu, Odha, Mansile have not opened as teachers from warring tribes fear reporting back to schools for fear of attacks.