Clashes in Garissa after man hacked to death, house torched

Police on Monday were trying to quell community clashes and rising tension on the outskirts of Garissa town after a hacking murder and arson on Sunday.

A similar murder occurred on Saturday.

The victim on Sunday, who was identified as Tawane Abdi, was slashed to death by unknown people. They also touched his house in Bula Mzuri in a suspected land dispute.

The murder occurred on Sunday afternoon and was followed by clan clashes that lasted several hours. A number of people sustained injures.

Garissa county commissioner Boaz Cherutich said police have been deployed and those behind land disputes would be punished.

The murder on Saturday in Burburis also involved a suspected land feud and leaders called on government to reign in on criminals and land cartels.

Ijara MP Sophia Abdi Noor posted on Facebook that authorities  must seriously follow the matter and bring criminals to justice.

Violent land feuds have been going on for too long, she said.

“It is with utmost shock and sadness that I have received the unfortunate news of the horrible death of our brother Tawane Adow," Noor said.

"He was killed and his property burnt to ashes, while his children and family helplessly watch in disbelief."

She added, “Brother Tawane is another victim of violence following a series of planned and coordinated attacks within Garissa town.

"These heinous attacks have become more rampant and coordinated with authorities seemingly unable or unconcerned despite the outcry from the communities.

"We can no longer bury our faces in the sand,” she said.

Dadaab MP Mohamed Dahiye called on Interior CS Fred Matiangí to act decisively and find a lasting solution.

Armed militia and land cartels should not be left to have a field day, he said.

“Garissa is  big enough to accommodate everyone. This thing of people killing each other because of land should not be happening in this day and age. This land will remain forever,” Dahiye said.

Last week the county commissioner ordered the suspension of any development activities in disputed lands within Garissa.

He said the developments are the genesis of conflicts as land nearby is especially valuable.

“I issue firm instruction that the status quo remains in the disputed lands until the committee that was formed comes up with a detailed report,” he said.

The commissioner said the report will help in coming up with solutions to perennial land conflicts.

(Edited by V. Graham)