Tension as herders invade Isiolo in search of water and pasture

Somali herders from Garissa County who had migrated with their livestock to Isiolo return to their region on August 18, 2016 following a directive by the government. Tension is high in Kom, Isiolo County following movement of herders from neighbouring counties into the area. PHOTO | VIVIAN JEBET | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Kom Town has been deserted for two years following killings of herders and residents over water and pasture.
  • Chari MCA Ali Galgalo said herders from neighbouring counties had failed to follow proper procedures set up by grazing committees.
  • Last week, one Somali herder was killed in Kura while another was injured in a fight between Borana and Somali herders.
  • Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo said the county government will soon introduce grazing fees for herders from other counties to curb animal influx.

Tension is high in Kom, Isiolo County following movement of herders from neighbouring counties into the area.

The herders are searching of water and pasture for their livestock.

Political leaders and security agents in Isiolo are alarmed by the brewing tension.

Herders from Wajir, Samburu, Garissa and Marsabit counties have invaded the reserved grazing area of Kom and Baasa with firearms and animals, creating conflict over the scarce resources.

Due to drought, thousands of animals belonging to the Borana, Samburu, Somali and Rendille communities are grazing in the contested area which is likely to dry up within a month.

A security meeting was held in Kom organised by the Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) and Finn Church Aid on Tuesday that was attended by local leaders, security teams, herders and elders from the counties to ease tension.

The herders were also ordered to vacate Nyachis in Kom.

TOWN DESERTED

Kom Town has been deserted for two years following killings of herders and residents over water and pasture.

Chari MCA Ali Galgalo said herders from neighbouring counties failed to follow proper procedures set up by grazing committees thus causing tension.

"We are afraid that the [diminishing] resources might create conflict since the migrants have declined to follow grazing procedures aimed at utilising the scarce water and pasture," said the MCA.

During the meeting, elders from different communities were tasked with monitoring their herders to prevent conflicts.

Animals from Wajir West and Eldas have moved into Yamicha and Duma in Isiolo’s Merti Sub-County, while those from Wajir South and Lagdera in Garissa are grazing in Sericho, Eldera and Garfasa areas of Garba Tula Sub-County.

PASTURE AND WATER

Herders from Samburu East, Laisamis and Saku in Marsabit County have moved to Kom and Duma grazing zones in search of pasture and water.

Garba Tula and Merti Sub-Counties have experienced clashes and rustling incidences.

Last week, one Somali herder was killed in Kura while another was injured in a fight between Borana and Somali herders.

No crime cases have been reported in Kom.

NRT peace coordinator Josephine Ekiru called for action to avert conflict.

Water points at Kom River are also drying up following overcrowding of animals.

Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo said the county government will soon introduce grazing fees for herders from other counties to curb animal influx.