Borana and Somali elders resolve to end pasture dispute on Isiolo-Garissa border

Elders from the Somali and Borana communities in Isiolo and Garissa counties have struck a deal to ease tension between them, allowing their herders to share water and pasture.

The elders also agreed that their herders would graze together for the next five months due to a persistent drought in efforts to promote peace between the two communities.

However, the Somali herders will be required to vacate the grazing zone after the period.

This was agreed when elders and security teams from the two counties met Wednesday in Eldera on the Isiolo-Garissa border following increased tension over water and pasture.

Earlier, elders from the two communities had unsuccessfully held meetings to resolve the matter.

While presiding over the negotiations, Lagdera Deputy County Commissioner Jackson Olechuta and Isiolo County Commissioner George Natembeya said security would be enhanced along the border.

Elders from the Borana community claimed that more than 600 camels had invaded Modogashe, Eldera, Benane and Garbatulla without sticking to rules and regulations laid down by community grazing committees.

Mr Natembeya accused some politicians of fuelling the conflict between the two communities as they feared the establishment of permanent settlements in the areas would make them lose voters.

(Reporting by Vivian Jebet; Editing by Martin Kinyanjui)