President Kenyatta warns of stern action against elements fuelling Moyale conflict

Malindi resident Bahati Mugala (left) receives a tittle deed issued by President Kenyatta at th eKarisa Maitha stadium in Kilifi town August 30, 2013. The President has warned stern action will be taken against foreigners should government establish such elements are behind the Moyale conflict. GEORGE KIKAMI 

In Summary

• President Kenyatta deeply concerned by fresh outbreak of fighting among communities in the region.
• He orders immediate beefing up of security in the volatile area.

Moyale

By JOHN NJAGI
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President Kenyatta has warned stern action will be taken against foreigners should government establish such elements are behind the Moyale conflict.

"Should there be any foreign elements participating in the conflict, they will be dealt with by the full force of the law,” he said.

In a statement issued by State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu Friday, President Kenyatta said he was deeply concerned by a fresh outbreak of fighting among communities in the region, which has led to the loss of nine lives.

He ordered the immediate beefing up of security on the ground noting community leaders were actively engaged in discussions on restoring calm and tranquillity.

“The President expects the discussions to result in a sustainable and lasting solution to the challenges that the communities face,” he said.

CALM AND PATIENCE

He also called for calm and patience as security forces and community leaders undertake their initiatives.

Earlier Friday, renewed clashes were reported in Butie, Moyale with Red Cross officials reporting heavy gunfire in the area.

Business premises and houses were torched in Somari and Teti areas, public relations officer Peter Outa said.

“Our teams are held up at our offices two kilometres from the scene of the fighting following warning by the police not to access the area until the fighting stops,” he said on phone.