2 clans won’t hold region to ransom

2 clans won’t hold region to ransom – chief

Wednesday August 31, 2016

Wajir county on March 31 last year / HEZRON NJOROGE

Tension remains high on the border between Eldas and Wajir North constituencies following the killing of four people. The renewed clashes are pitting the clans of Degodia in Eldas and Ajurans in Wajir North against each other.

It all started on Saturday, when a group of armed militias raided a village in Lokole, Eldas constituency, and killed a mother, her daughter and son.

Rukia Mohamed died of gun shot wounds. Her children are admitted at Wajir Referral Hospital.On Sunday, there was a retaliatory attack at Ingirir village in Wajir North constituency.

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A group of armed militias attacked the village and killed a man, bringing the death toll to four. The latest standoff is said to have been sparked by surveyors from the Kenya Survey department who went to map out the disputed boundary.

The Degodia and Ajurans both claim ownership of the corridor between Wajir North and Eldas. County commissioner Michael Tialal yesterday said security has been strengthened.

“The government will not sit and watch as a few individuals take the law into their own hands by killing and injuring peace-loving Kenyans. They will be arrested,” he said.

Tialal said the boundary will not restrict movement, and is only for administration.
A senior security official who spoke to the Star on condition of anonymity said the government has the names of suspected culprits.

He said they will be arrested soon.He said that the national government is working with Ethiopian security officials.

The militias are believed to have escaped to Ethiopia.

In April, the county said it would carry out a major operation to restore order if warring clans refused to stop the bloodshed.

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