Six killed in new wave of violence in Isiolo

A fresh wave of violence has rocked Isiolo leaving six people dead and several houses were torched.

A police reservist was among those who were killed as civic leaders recorded statements with the police over clashes.

Hundreds of residents from Kambi Garba, Chechelsi, Maisha Bora and Kambi Bule have fled to town as fears of more violence gripped Isiolo.

The police reservist, Mr Hassan Nurow, was reportedly killed by an Administration Police officer as he engaged raiders at Kambi Garba.

Separately, two other men were killed at Alamach while their colleague sustained gunshot wounds on the hand and is admitted to Isiolo District Hospital.

According to a resident of Kambi Garba, Mr Jamal Hussein, the police reservist was shot from behind by the AP officer as he tried to repulse the raiders who were burning houses at 3 pm only three kilomentres from the divisional police base.

Angry residents blockaded the Isiolo-Marsabit Highway for half an hour before assistant commissioner of police Willy Lugusa calmed the tension by promising investigation.

“I urge you to desist from blocking the highway because it will affect the lives of many innocent travellers who are not aware of the clashes.

Give me some time to investigate the matter to identify the officer who killed the home guard,” said Mr Lugusa also promising to beef up security.

Meanwhile, about 33 civic leaders in Isiolo county council and a local politician were summoned to the Isiolo Criminal Investigations.

Department offices on Saturday to record statements and give information on what they knew about the spate of clashes that has hit Isiolo since mid last month.

Several people have been killed since the attacks begun and it is yet to be known what exactly is causing the violence.