Tuesday, January 10, 2012

NCIC: Chaos in Moyale in Isiolo politically instigated




Written By:Carol Gakii/KNA,    Posted: Sun, Jan 08, 2012
Kibunjia called on Kenyans not to be drawn into such conflicts
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) says the ongoing clashes in some parts of Upper Eastern Kenya may be linked to this year's general elections.
NCIC chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia says a recent survey conducted by the commission in those areas indicates that the conflicts are politically motivated.
Addressing journalists in Nairobi, Kibunjia called on Kenyans not to be drawn into such conflicts adding that it was vital for the country to remain peaceful before and after the polls.
At least six people including police officers have been killed in the conflict between two rival communities in Moyale county.
More security personnel have been deployed to beef up security in the area to avert further killings.
Meanwhile, the Borana Council of Elders and professionals have called on warring tribes in Isiolo and Moyale districts to end hostilities and start building on long lasting peace.
The group also wants the government to impartially provide security in the region which they said was not up to standard. 
The Chairman of the Borana Council of Elders Mr. Dida Golicha urged the warring pastoralist communities from the Northern Kenya to learn to co-exist saying no tangible development would be achieved in chaos.
He said the government should spearhead peace initiatives that would allow crafting of homegrown solutions to animosity that had led to loss of lives and property in form of livestock theft and burning of houses in some areas.
"The notebook approach the government was giving to security crisis in the region does not work well as local mechanisms need to be employed to solve these  problems and local leaders must be involved in the process," Mr. Golicha said. 
Mr. Golicha who is also the chairman of Isiolo district peace committee said the leading problem  responsible for Isiolo clashes was land ownership but the government had not taken appropriate measures to address this even as communities continue to scramble for land resources.
A member of Borana Professionals Association Dr Abdullahi Dima said the government should pull up its socks and end the hostilities in Moyale and Isiolo that had left trail of destruction of human live and property.
He also accused the government of disarming Isiolo herders and exposing them to attacks from their neighbours during the 2009 disarmament exercise.
Dr Dima added that the government must honour the Constitution by protecting the lives and property for all Kenyans. 
Moyale and its environs had been calm since Friday after the government deployed additional security personnel to the area and the patrolling of troubled spots round the clock. 

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