Marsabit leaders grilled in wake of deadly clashes

Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed, North Horr MP Chachu Nganya and his Saku counterpart Ali Rasso have recorded statements with the police concerning the inter-ethnic clashes in Marsabit County that claimed at least 10 lives.

The leaders spent at least four hours each being grilled by the Eastern Regional Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss Mr John Gachomo, where each distanced themselves from the fights.

Mr Gachomo said they had information politicians from rival communities were funding the flare-ups and inciting violence.

He said an MP and MCA who had been adversely mentioned during the interrogation would be summoned.

“There is nobody who is above the law. People must live in harmony in this country. We don’t want our leaders promoting warlike activities and then inciting the communities against each other resulting in loss of life,” said Mr Gachomo.​

Mr Mohamed went to record a police statement accompanied by MP Rasso, Senator Godana Hargura, Woman Rep Safia Adan, Moyale MP Qalicha Wario and his Laisamis counterpart Marselino Malimo and a host of MCAs.

He distanced himself from the clashes, claiming that in all the instances when clashes have occured, he was away on official duty.

Mr Mohamed said the local leaders had in September drafted a raft of measures that would help resolve the conflict but accused the former governor Ukur Yatani, who is the current Labour Cabinet Secretary, of frustrating peace efforts.The governor said he supports a disarmament proposal to get rid of illegal firearms, adding he has urged the Interior CS Fred Matiang’I to transfer police officer perceived of bias.