A woman and three men were found dead in Isiolo less than an hour after being kidnapped by Somali herdsmen on Thursday.
The bodies of the victims were found dumped in a forest at Gafarsa area with their throats slit. Two others are said to be missing.
The incident comes two weeks after Somali and Borana communities in the area clashed at a grazing area.
Somali herders from North Eastern are said to have moved into Garba-Tulla subcounty about two months ago in search of pasture and water for their animals following the drought in their region.
Isiolo county commissioner George Natembeya said police have been dispatched in the area to pursue the suspects.
Area Governor Godana Doyo and Senator Mohamed Kuti condemned the incident and said the events were worrying.
They expressed regret that rivals involved in the conflict had now resorted to kidnapping residents and butchering the innocent.
They called on the security arm of the government to ensure the suspects are arrested and charged in court.