Isiolo Governor Mohamed Abdi Kuti has condemned the recent attack at Urura along the Isiolo border and Wajir counties where 6 people were killed and a woman left with gunshot wounds.
Speaking on Saturday during a peace meeting in Merti sub-county, Kuti called on the security agencies to move with speed and deploy Rapid deployment Unit in all border areas between Wajir and Garissa to curb any further attack.
“We want to pronounce ourselves from the onset that no one has the right to take another man’s life. In a civilized society, no killing can be considered normal or justified, not even for the pursuit of revenge‚” Kuti said.
He said innocent Isiolo residents were being attacked by assailants from the neighbouring county without any reason.
The county chief called upon the national government especially the department of internal security led by Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to intervene and carry out thorough investigations on those who have been attacking Isiolo residents.
“It's very unfortunate that in the recent past, cases of people being attacked are reported at the border of Garissa, Wajir and Samburu with the national government taking no stern action‚” he said.
Kuti said it is worrying that the security team are becoming by-standers when armed militias are killing people in broad daylight in grazing fields, water points and near villages in the full glare of the security forces.
He said despite knowing all the hotspots and conflict-prone areas, the security team have failed to prevent violence from happening, and when it happens they have never focused on bringing the perpetrators to book.
It was also reported that the death toll has risen to 7 as a boda-boda rider was hacked to death at Eldera village in Garbatulla sub-county.
The deaths in the area follow fresh land invasion by herders from Wajir West.
More than 40 people have been killed in Merti- Korbesa, Eskot-Belgesh-Eldera grazing zones in Isiolo since November last year following the migration of herders from Wajir West and Lagdera and Dujis in Garissa who are in search of pasture and water for their livestock.
With the pre-existing boundary dispute of Garissa, Isiolo and Wajir, the county boss said it's a provincial boundary issue which urgently needs to be solved in a bid to curb attacks which occur between herders from the respective counties.
The governor appealed to the National government to construct a police post at Urura area adding that the County Government is ready to support such a move.
Kuti conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families as he promised to pursue constructive and diplomatic engagement with the security team and political leaders from respective counties, and spiral it up with the National government for a permanent solution.
According to the governor, the Isiolo government had stationed a land cruiser to help in security patrol
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
