Six more people killed in inter-clan clashes in Tana River

A few days after eight people were killed in ongoing clashes in Tana River country, six more lives have been lost as communities continue to fight in the area.

The fighting between the two communities began nearly a week ago in the Anole area before spreading to other villages, including Nanighi.

Hundreds of residents from these villages have fled their homes in search of safety and refuge. Many are nursing injuries, with some fighting for their lives in various hospitals.

"I was born here; the events we are witnessing are not ordinary," Abdi Mogow, a resident, told Citizen TV.

Some of the injured indicate that five people were killed last Friday, while four others were injured and hospitalized. They blame politics for the skirmishes.

"These conflicts are politically motivated; the problem is that the security apparatus has failed," another resident said.

It is believed that the conflict started after the Tana River County government offered land to resettle flood victims who had been living along the banks of Tana River.

The flood victims were moved to an area along the Garissa-Hola road, a move that angered the area's native pastoralist community, which claimed the area was their grazing land and watering points.

"We have ensured that security will return to normal," Coast Regional Commander, Roda Onyanja, said.

The most recent killings occurred just hours after a security team had visited the area and assured residents of their safety. Previously, the Inspector General of Police had also assured the residents that the Kenya Defence Forces had been brought in to provide security.

"Help us identify people with guns; these guns are being used to kill people," said George Seda, the Deputy Director of Operations at the National Police Service (NPS).

The fighting occurred one week after five political leaders from Tana River County were summoned to appear before the National Unity and Cooperation Commission on October 8 regarding procedures related to the fighting between communities in the county.

Residents now want the security agents to move hastily and guarantee their security.