William Ruto: Govt deploys military to quell Mandera clashes

Deputy President William Ruto (centre) and Tarbaj MP Mohammed Elmi during a news conference at his office in Nairobi May 11, 2013. Mr Ruto said the government has deployed the military to Mandera County to disarm local and foreign militia terrorising residents. JENNIFER MUIRURI 

By NATION Reporter
Posted  Saturday, May 11  2013 at  12:59

 

The government has deployed the military to Mandera County to disarm local and foreign militia terrorising residents.

Deputy President William Ruto said that Kenya and Ethiopia are engaged to secure the border.

"We have dispatched the Kenya Defence Forces to carry out a disarmament exercise in Mandera," Mr Ruto said in his office Saturday.

Mr Ruto instructed the Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to send an additional 200 officers to Mandera to beef up security.

He said that between 3,000-5,0000 people have been displaced and some 1,500 were camping in police stations.

The Deputy President said 15 schools had yet to re-open for the second term.

On Friday, eight people were killed and three others seriously injured in fresh inter-clan clashes in Rhamu, Mandera County.

The reason for fighting between Garre and the Degodia clans is yet to be established.

Mandera county commissioner Michael Tialal said hundreds of people had camped at police stations after a group of armed men attacked Bula village.

“We have asked for back up from security agents and promise to ensure peace prevails,” said Mr Tialal.