KDF deployed to quell Wajir-Mandera clashes

Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo having a word with The commandant of National Defence College Lt Gen Jackson Waweru (left) and Chief of the Defence Forces Julius Karangi (right) during the graduation ceremony of course 16-2013/14 at the National Defence College, Karen on May 29, 2014. Photo/ JEFF ANGOTE (NAIROBI)

What you need to know:

  • These roads include the Mandera-Elwak¬¬-Modogashe-Garissa-Thika-Nairobi highway, Mandera-Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo-Nairobi, Mandera-Elwak-Modogashe-Isiolo-Nairobi road, Liboi-Garissa-Mwingi-Thika-Nairobi and the Garissa-Hola-Garsen-Malindi-Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
  • On Thursday, the Degodia clan are said to have avenged the death of two people killed by attackers believed to be from members of a rival Gare clan.

The government has deployed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to man five major roads in Mandera and Wajir counties where violence has led to at least 18 deaths.

In a Gazette notice dated May 22, Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo announced the soldiers will “support” the police in guarding the main highways but will be given more roles depending on the situation.

“A notice is given that on 21st May 2014, the Kenya Defence Forces are deployed in support of the National Police Service in response to the security emergency in Mandera County,” Ms Omamo announced.

The Defence Ministry added that the KDF will perform duties “including but not limited to securing main roads…”

These roads include the Mandera-Elwak¬¬-Modogashe-Garissa-Thika-Nairobi highway, Mandera-Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo-Nairobi, Mandera-Elwak-Modogashe-Isiolo-Nairobi road, Liboi-Garissa-Mwingi-Thika-Nairobi and the Garissa-Hola-Garsen-Malindi-Mombasa-Nairobi highway.

It means the military will patrol a cumulative road length of about 2500 kilometres, securing travelers and locals from possible ambushes.

This decision follows skirmishes along the Wajir-Mandera that have seen at least 18 people killed and dozens others wounded. The clashes started two weeks ago caused by rivalry between two local clans.

On Thursday, the Degodia clan are said to have avenged the death of two people killed by attackers believed to be from members of a rival Gare clan.

A source who sought anonymity for security reasons told our correspondent on Thursday that heavy fighting had ensued as attackers retreated after the assailed clan responded.

In an earlier incident, eleven people had taken cover from the heavy fighting but their hide-out was hurled with explosives, the source said.

They all died while eight more people died from bullet wounds on Thursday.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi confirmed the 11 deaths, adding that investigations were still going on and measures were being put in place to curb further retaliatory attacks.