Over 600 families flee Samburu’s Archers Post after ethnic conflicts
Kenya Red Cross Upper Eastern Coordinator Gitonga Mugambi distributes relief items to residents of Archers Post in Samburu County who have fled their homes due to ethnic conflicts in the area. Over 600 families have been displaced. PHOTO | AGNES ABOO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Kenya Red Cross says women and children who have fled their homes are in dire need of food and bedding.
- KRC has started distributing household goods which include kitchen utensils, soap, blankets, tents and mosquito nets among other things.
- Residents took issue with political leaders from both counties for remaining silent on the deadly conflicts.
- Since September 2014 about 78 people have lost their lives in Isiolo and Samburu counties in armed conflicts and cattle rustling.
About 620 families living in Archers Post, Samburu County have fled their homes due to ethnic conflicts in the area.
The conflicts pitting two tribes in Isiolo North escalated to the neighbouring Samburu County leaving about 17 people dead in the last one month.
Last week three men were killed at Archers Post where two among them were shot dead and the third stoned to death.
Kenya Red Cross Upper Eastern Coordinator Gitonga Mugambi said women and children who have fled their homes are in dire need of food and bedding.
He said Kenya Red Cross has started distributing household goods which include kitchen utensils, soap, blankets, tents and mosquito nets among other things.
“It is very unfortunate that for the last one month 17 people have lost their lives as a result of the tribal conflicts.
“There is need for Isiolo and Samburu counties and the national government preach peace and improve security in the area,” said Mr Mugambi.
Some of the families who have fled their homes in Archers Post, Samburu County following the escalation of ethnic conflicts. PHOTO | AGNES ABOO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
EL-NIÑO FEARS
He said they will partner with other organisations and the government to see that the displaced people return to their homes.
“There is need for speedy action now that El-Niño rains are expected any time from now.
“Most of those who have fled their homes are spending nights out in the cold which is a threat to their health,” he added.
Residents of Archers Post in Samburu County said the conflicts which are fuelled by cattle rustling are escalating into the town where people have been attacked.
“We are living in fear of being attacked anytime. We urge the national government to intervene and beef up security within Archers Post,” Mr Kiparo Lenayiasa, a resident said.
They took issue with political leaders from both counties for remaining silent on the deadly conflicts.
Since September 2014 about 78 people have lost their lives in Isiolo and Samburu counties in armed conflicts and cattle rustling.
