More security officers have been deployed along Isiolo-Garissa counties border following a spate of attacks that have left at least 20 people killed and hundreds of others displaced in the past three months.
The attacks between communities from the two counties revolve around competition for pasture and water among the pastoralists due to the worsening drought.
Speaking during a peace ‘declaration’ meeting in Benane trading Centre on Wednesday, Lagdera sub-county commissioner Jackson Olechuta said more police officers have been sent to the troubled border to beef security and stop further loss of lives.
“We are determined to ensure that no more human lives are lost because of water and pasture. We shall also use elders and other leaders from the two counties to build peace,” he said.
Madina, Kampi Samaki, Togocho, Eldere, Bulo, Barkuke and Chachu are the worst affected areas.
Olechuta however said those breaking the law and found inciting either of the communities even as drought continues to bite will dealt with firmly as per the law.
He also urged the elders, sheikhs, youth and women to co-exist peacefully irrespective of their differences and assured those whose livestock were left behind in Isiolo County, when they fled the clashes a month ago in Garbatula that the animals will be returned to them.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama said he was consulting with Isiolo county leadership to work out on a peaceful formula that will ensure there was a permanent solution to the problem.
He urged communities in Isiolo to also declare peace the way their counterparts in Benane did, and at the same time cautioned aspirants seeking various seats within the county to conduct their campaigns with decorum to avoid causing disharmony among different communities in the county.
He directed security apparatus to monitor politicians issuing inflammatory statements during campaign period.
