Quick response by security agencies following a flare-up of fighting between two communities in North Horr constituency in Marsabit County has calmed the situation and stolen livestock recovered and given back to owners. 

Consequently, all the 217 families in Dukana and Saru areas who were uprooted from their homes for safety purposes have also gone back to their homesteads with the assistance of the government and partners.

Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau who chaired the peace and reconciliation meetings in the affected areas said that a security operation started soon after the incident and recovered all the 1,140 goats and sheep that were reported stolen following the clash.

Kamau said the livestock recovered was given back to owners while the multi-agency security personnel deployed to the area will continue with patrols to completely pacify the area. The county commissioner explained that 20 suspects have so far been identified in Dukana sub-county with three prime ones arrested and arraigned in court.

“Nine other suspects arrested are out on police bond and are assisting the police with investigations,” he said. He disclosed that more suspects who have gone into hiding are being pursued by DCI.

Humanitarian aid is reaching the victims with ease, he said. The county commissioner said the national government has delivered relief supplies consisting of 330 bags of rice and 285 bags of beans while the county government donated 100 bags of rice and 20 cartons of cooking oil.

Kenya Red-Cross society distributed tarpaulin units, sleeping mats, kitchenware and blended foodstuffs for children.

The national assembly’s committee on administration and security vice-chairperson and who is also the MP for Saku Colonel (retired) Diso Raso commended law enforcement agencies in Marsabit for their speedy response which helped stem the conflict from escalating.

The MP called on the government to be vigilant and firm on war mongers whom he said could rescind gains made in restoring peace in the county.  The skirmishes claimed four lives and a left a woman with as even month old pregnancy nursing gunshot wounds.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sebastian Miriti