By PATRICK NZIOKA pnzioka@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Sunday, February 12 2012 at 22:30
Posted Sunday, February 12 2012 at 22:30
Weapons issued by the government have been turned against the very people they are supposed to protect.
The warring Gabra and Borana communities in Moyale District accuse Kenya Police Reservists of becoming active participants in the fighting.
A senior provincial administration officer in the district confirmed to the Nation that the district security team had observed a trend where some reservists were unable to account for the ammunition issued to them.
It has emerged that politics is to blame for the state of affairs in the region where the two communities are fighting to control the running of Marsabit County by ensuring they take the position of governor in the coming elections.
Some argue that the Borana, who are the majority, want the seat but fear that they might split their vote between the two contestants from the community who have expressed interest in the post.
Others, however, say that the minority Gabra are growing in stature and wealth and have the capacity to mobilise the other small communities who have at one time or another fought with the Borana to ensure one of their own takes the seat.
Only one person from the community has so far expressed interest in the seat.
Perhaps this explains why the Internal Security ministry decided to arrest two politicians from either side and arraign them in court on incitement charges.
Area MP Mohammed Ali has obtained a court order to stop the police from arresting him.
The torching of houses, sources say, is meant to displace some people and destroy their documents to ensure they do not vote to influence the elections outcome in the region. (READ: Tens of thousands flee northern Kenya violence)
Most schools remain closed with only a few private primary schools operating, a situation which education official Kadir Muhidin terms as unfortunate.
“We fear that this animosity might spread to the students, which will be difficult to erase,” Mr Muhidin told the Nation.
While the district was the most improved in last year’s KCPE examination, Mr Muhidin doubts area schools will complete the syllabus as they are more than four weeks late in opening.
District commissioner Elias Kithaura last Tuesday chaired a peace meeting of elders from the rival communities, who agreed to urge their people to stop the violence and let schools open.
There are also claims that one community dominates public service jobs, especially in the registration of persons department in Moyale, making it difficult for members of the rival community to acquire ID cards.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, about 57,000 people were displaced in recent clashes between the two communities while 580 houses were torched.
Although the guns have become silent, there has not been any noticeable movement to return home.
Kenya Red Cross head of operations, Mahdi Mohammed, says they have provided medical care and non-food items to the affected to alleviate their plight.
Mr Mohammed says tension is still high in Moyale, leading to concentration of residents within the town, a situation expected to strain the water resources and lead to deterioration in sanitation.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment