Spring in Bavaria

Three more killed in ethnic clashes

Three more people were killed and two others injured in Rumuruti and Ng’arua divisions at the weekend following escalation of ethnic violence in various parts of Laikipia West District.

Local Red Cross officials said an estimated 3,000 people have been displaced from their homes within the two divisions over the past two weeks of violence.

Branch co-ordinator Francis Wambua urged the Government to contain the situation to avoid a humanitarian crisis in the region.

The three were shot dead by armed attackers who are believed to be part of gangs of marauding raiders causing terror in the region.

One of the victims, a farmer, was shot at Maundu ni Meri area on Friday night.

The other two were boda boda operators.

They were shot on Friday night as they ferried passengers from Supili to Kinamba township.

A five-member gang is said to have emerged from the bush and opened fire on them.

Their passengers escaped with injuries and were admitted at the Nyahururu District Hospital.

The attack took place some 50 kilometres from Gatundia village, where last week more than 19 people were killed.

More than 500 residents of Supili Sunday morning staged a demonstration against the escalating violence and theft of 30 herd of cattle.

They marched to the local chief’s office and handed him  a list of their grievances.

They complained that police officers were apparently unable to deal with terror gangs causing mayhem in spite of their presence. Hundreds of displaced families have sought refuge at Rumuruti, Gatundia, Supili and Muhotetu townships.

The attacks are believed to have been perpetrated by groups of armed herdsmen who have invaded the divisions with hundreds of livestock. The herdsmen are said to have driven their animals in Laikipia West in search of pasture and water due to prolonged drought in Samburu and Baringo districts where they come from.

Volatile area

On Sunday, calm returned  to the volatile area but tens of families continued to flee to nearby churches and police stations despite the presence of security officers.

The volatile Aiyam, Gatundia and Maundu Meri, where 13 members of one  community were killed last week, were quiet. But tension remained high in Supili, where violence claimed three more lives, bringing the death toll to 23.

Police were still pursuing 30 animals stolen on Saturday at Muhotetu in Supili and driven towards Samburu District.

Story by MOSES MWATHI
Publication Date: 3/17/2008

posted by: Moosecow at 07:46 | link | comments |
africa, kenya

Template by motime.com  |  header image credit: Markus Gann © www.begann.de