Death toll from Marsabit clashes rises to 10
What you need to know:
- In total, the police boss said, nine people from the Gabbra community have died and one injured, while a Dasaanach man was killed and his counterpart seriously wounded.
- At the scene of the bloody clash, flocks of vultures could be seen devouring corpses. Local customs do not allow the two communities to bury those who die in battle.
The death toll from the Wednesday clashes between two communities in a North Horr village, Marsabit County, has risen to 10.
Five people who had been reported missing were found dead, according to North Horr police boss Tom Odero.
(MARSABIT - Five killed as villagers fight off cattle bandits)
Five others were killed and 12 others injured in the Wednesday attack at Buluku between the Gabbra and Dasaanach communities, who were fighting over pasture and water for their livestock.
In total, the police boss said, nine people from the Gabbra community have died and one injured, while a Dasaanach man was killed and his counterpart seriously wounded.
“Two people from the Gabbra community are still missing and are presumed dead. No suspects have been arrested so far,” said Mr Odero on phone.
He added that they also recovered two G3 rifles belonging to two Kenya Police Reservists who were killed in the inter-community clashes.
He said more security personnel have been dispatched to the area to ensure calm returns as well as to investigate the incident.
VULTURES HOVERING
At the scene of the bloody clash, flocks of vultures could be seen devouring corpses. Local customs do not allow the two communities to bury those who die in battle.
Mr Odero said the district security team has held a series of peace meetings at Buluku with the local leaders to discuss the way forward.
“We are, however, facing communication challenges as there is no proper network coverage in that particular area,” said Mr Odero.
The police boss asked the warring communities to maintain peace so as to realise development in the region.
He appealed to the locals to come up with proper mechanisms of ensuring an equitable share of the scarce resources to avert more conflicts in the future.
“Leaders should also be on the forefront in preaching peaceful coexistence. The security officers should also be given adequate resources to ensure security is maintained at all times,” Mr Odero noted.