Police launch operation in Marsabit after 13 killed as Turkana and Rendille herders clash

Police have launched a security operation following attacks between herders from two communities in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County, on Monday and Tuesday.

At least 13 herders were killed in two separate attacks in Sarima and Mount Kulal.

During the attacks, 400 goats and 20 camels were stolen.

On Monday, six members of the Turkana community, among them three children, were killed.

In what appeared to be a retaliatory attack, seven Rendille herders were killed 24 hours later at Mt Kulal.

The government said it was working to restore peace in areas hit by inter-community attacks in Loiyangalani Sub-County.

Marsabit County Police Commander Bernard Kogo said the operation was under way in Mt Kulal and Loiyangalani, which were attacked by bandits in the past two days.

Governor Ukur Yatani has previously held peace meetings between the Rendille and Tukana communities.

Mr Kogo said a prompt response by security personnel helped recover 370 goats out of the 400 that were stolen.

One camel out of the 20 reported stolen during the incident was also returned, he said.

Speaking by phone from Mt Kulal, Mr Kogo told the Nation that elders from the two communities have been asked to assist in identifying the perpetrators of the attacks.

He said those behind the attacks would be hunted down and made to pay for engaging in acts of lawlessness in which lives were lost.

The attacks in Marsabit, which has experienced peace for a while, has created anxiety among residents.