Army torture claims rejected

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Rivalry over water and pasture fuel conflict

Water and pasture have been the main source of the long-drawn conflict between the warring Murulle and Garre clans in Mandera.

At least 13 people have been killed and 31 houses burnt this month alone, according to Kenya Red Cross Society.

Watering livestock at Allango Dam has often led to confrontation and violence. The disputed Allango location, where the water point is located, is one of the main sources of water in the area and both clans have laid claim to it.

A councillor who was interviewed by the Nation said Mandera Central constituency was carved out of the then larger Mandera East to appease one of the clans, which had complained that it had been politically marginalised.

He said the current conflict was over administrative units and resources. “The Garre want their rivals to be confined to their traditional grazing areas.

“But the Murulle, who own a substantial number of livestock but have a smaller grazing area, insist that the area cannot sustain their animals.”