Committee formed to end ethnic disputes

By KEN BETT
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Marsabit Governor Ukur Yattani addresses herders during a peace meeting. Seven people were killed on March 30, 2016 following retaliatory attacks between the Gabra and Degodia herders. PHOTO | KEN BETT | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

Summary

• Governors Ukur Yattani of Marsabit and Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir have warned those found culpable that they will be held liable.
• Mr Yattani challenged local leaders and residents to champion for peace at all times

Two people were killed at Shurr in Marsabit County while another five were killed in retaliation at Arbjahan in Wajir County.
North-eastern governors and elders have agreed to end hostilities between two communities that have been warring over pasture and water.

Seven people have died in the past one month following retaliatory attacks between Gabra and Degodia communities.

Two people were killed at Shurr in Marsabit County while another five were killed in retaliation at Arbjahan in Wajir County.

Governors Ukur Yattani of Marsabit and Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir have warned those found culpable that they will be held liable.

"Killing of innocent lives is unacceptable and cannot be condoned," said Governor Abdullahi.

Mr Yattani challenged local leaders and residents to champion for peace at all times.

"Communities should share the pasture and water resources available amicably. The responsibility of ensuring peace lies with us all. If we can't ensure peace, our people whom we lead will never forgive us for the rest of their lives and generations to come," warned Yattani.

The two leaders were speaking during a peace meeting between the Gabra and Degodia following the violent clash that erupted between herders from the two communities.

“We have formed a peace committee of ten members. They are meeting to agree on how the families who lost their loved ones can be compensated. They will give us a report in two weeks before we can sign a peace accord between the two counties,’’ said Mr Yattani.

The governors were accompanied by Marsabit Commissioner Muga Mutindika, MPs Ahmed Orre (Wajir west), Chachu Ganya (North-Horr), and Mohammed Elmi (Tarbach) who urged residents from the two counties to uphold peace.