Residents fleeing to neighbouring countries, says MP

Kenyan security forces patrolling in the restive town of Moyale, Marsabit County, on the frontier with Ethiopia where clashes erupted between long-time rival ethnic groups Gabra and Borana on December 8, 2013. Chachu Ganya, North Horr MP, said that clan violence was forcing residents of northern Kenya to flee to neighbouring countries, alleging that the clashes were politically motivated as there was a plan to suspend devolution in Marsabit County. PHOTO | FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Mr Ganya said the national government was playing politics in matters of security
• On Monday, two Kenya Police Reserve officers were killed and scores of other people injured at the Alabor water point in North Horr on the Kenya-Ethiopia border by attackers believed to be Ethiopian militia

By Nation Correspondent
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Clan violence was forcing residents of northern Kenya to flee to neighbouring countries, an MP has said.

The clashes were politically motivated as there was a plan to suspend devolution in Marsabit County, alleged North Horr member of National Assembly Chachu Ganya.

Mr Ganya said the national government was playing politics in matters of security.

“The situation is really bad. People are losing their lives, houses are being burnt and demolished, forcing victims to sleep in trees. Schools are closed after children and their parents fled to neighbouring countries when we have a national government which by now should have found a solution,” he complained.

He feared that the violence would spread to all border towns if the government did not act fast.

“It seems like the Jubilee Government is ignoring our pleas because nearly all members of Parliament from Marsabit County are ODM and people here voted for the opposition. This is a human rights issue as people are suffering. The government should act now as security is not a devolved function,” Mr Ganya said.

However, the county police boss Erastus Muthamia denied that residents were fleeing the country.

He said areas like Furrole were peaceful.

“Furrole is a very peaceful area and neighbouring communities have been sharing a water point for a while now. Now, who is fleeing the country?” Mr Muthamia asked.

On Monday, two Kenya Police Reserve officers were killed and scores of other people injured at the Alabor water point in North Horr on the Kenya-Ethiopia border by attackers believed to be Ethiopian militia.