Marsabit: The security situation in Dukana sub-county in North Horr constituency, which witnessed disturbances following clashes between two local ethnic communities over the weekend, has improved, with normalcy steadily returning to the area. This improvement follows enhanced security patrols and an operation aimed at apprehending 30 suspects believed to be behind the unrest that resulted in four deaths and left one expectant woman critically injured.
According to Kenya News Agency, Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau reported that the multi-agency security team dispatched to the Saru and Dukana areas has successfully arrested 17 suspects, including four prime suspects directly linked to the crimes. During a press briefing, Mr. Kamau revealed that 145 goats stolen during the skirmishes have been recovered, with ongoing efforts to recover the remaining livestock.
The county commissioner added that the security team, led by County Police Commander Lenard Kimaiyo, has been tasked with retrieving illegal firearms believed to have been used in the crimes. He assured residents that the government remains committed to apprehending and punishing all involved suspects, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations detectives actively pursuing them.
Mr. Kamau stated, "We are making good progress as we have managed to arrest eight suspects in Saru and another nine in Dukana, and I would like to assure the residents that we are determined to arrest all those mentioned in connection with this crime." He urged the community to remain calm and tolerant.
Accompanied by Marsabit County Chief Officer for Administration and Cohesion Elema Tache, Mr. Kamau disclosed that the altercation displaced 143 families. The two levels of government have collaborated to provide relief supplies, assisting approximately 766 people displaced by the confrontations with essential food items, including rice, beans, and cooking oil, as they camp at the Dukana Catholic Church grounds.
The county commissioner advised politicians to refrain from making statements that could jeopardize the situation, instead advocating for unity and harmonious coexistence. Mr. Tache emphasized the need for humanitarian support, including both food and non-food items, to alleviate suffering among the affected population and called on partners and well-wishers to aid in addressing their plight.
To address the ongoing situation, the county security and intelligence committee, along with elders from the respective communities and other stakeholders, are scheduled to meet to review the situation and plan the way forward.