Five killed as pastoralists clash over water in Isiolo County
A victim recuperating at Isiolo Level Four Hospital after an attack at the Attan water point on May 26, 2015. PHOTO | VIVIAN JEBET | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The pastoralists from Turkana and Samburu communities engaged in a nine-hour gun battle at the watering point.
- They accused the County Security Intelligence Committee of laxity saying members locals had reported the impending attack and no action was taken.
Five people were killed and at least 10 injured after pastoralists from two communities clashed over water in Attan, Isiolo County, on Tuesday.
The pastoralists from Turkana and Samburu communities engaged in a nine-hour gun battle at a watering point in Attan.
Isiolo Deputy Commissioner Julius Maiyo confirmed that the four died at the scene while the wounded were taken to Isiolo Level Four Hospital. A fifth body was found at the scene Wednesday morning.
Mr Maiyo said security officers have been deployed to the area to avoid further clashes.
One of those injured, John Mariao, said about 100 armed pastoralists ambushed them at the watering point at 11 am Tuesday and started shooting.
He said he was shot in the left shoulder.
Nominated Member of the County Assembly Mr Benjamin Lopetet and his counterpart representing Oldonyiro Ward Mr David Lemantile condemned the attack.
They accused the County Security Intelligence Committee of laxity saying locals had reported the impending attack and no action was taken.
Mr Lopetet called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery to intervene to stop frequent inter-community clashes in Isiolo.
District Peace and Conflict Resolution Secretary Ms Grace Lorim said the pastoralist communities in the area clash frequently over water and pasture.
Learning in several schools in the area has been disrupted following frequent fighting between the two communities.
The affected schools are Ariemet, Loruko, Attan primary schools.
