Tana River residents have been urged to shun frequent inter-community clashes and embrace peaceful coexistence to promote development and stability in the county.
Over the years, Tana River County has experienced a series of inter-community clashes that have left dozens of people dead and hundreds of others injured.
In 2013, at least 38 people were killed during inter-community clashes in Tana Delta involving the Pokomo, who are predominantly farmers, and the Orma, who are mainly pastoralists. The conflicts were largely linked to competition over scarce natural resources, particularly water and pasture.
This year, at least seven people, including a senior police officer, have lost their lives in inter-community clashes in Bangali Sub-County, highlighting the continuing challenges facing the county.
However, local leaders and politicians have strongly cautioned residents against inter-community violence and incitement, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence among people from all communities living in Tana River.
Speaking during celebrations to mark the International Day of Peace at Chara village in Tana Delta Sub-County, National Police Service Commission Chairperson Dr. Amani Komora called for unity and harmonious living among all communities.
Dr. Komora said peace was essential for the county to achieve meaningful development, noting that continued conflict would undermine efforts to improve the lives of residents.
“We have come to sensitize our people on the importance of peace and peaceful coexistence and unity. Without peace and harmony, we cannot experience any change in terms of development in this county,” Dr. Komora said.
He said the government, through the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, had put measures in place to enhance security before, during, and after next year’s general election.
Dr. Komora said the government would continue supporting the National Police Service through increased recruitment and deployment of officers to ensure adequate security coverage across the country.
“We have put enough measures in the command of the Inspector General of Police to ensure that there is enough security before, during, and after next year’s General Election. We are supporting the police in terms of employment and increasing the headcount, and we will continue to increase the numbers to make sure that every corner of this country is well covered,” he added.
Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, meanwhile, called on politicians to avoid exploiting tribal and clan differences for political gain.
Mungatana warned political leaders against inciting communities against one another, saying no elective position had been reserved for any particular community.
He urged residents to reject leaders involved in incitement and instead elect leaders with development-oriented agendas during next year’s General Election.
“I am appealing to the political class not to divide our people on tribal lines. We want everyone to campaign for any seat they want in a decent manner. Do not tell the people that your tribe is being persecuted, or your tribe will miss out on something, or your tribe will be chased out, especially here in Tana River,” Mungatana said.
“We want to change the direction of our politics. We want all people who will be elected next year to be people of the agenda instead of those who preach tribal politics. There is no seat that is put aside for a certain tribe,” he added.
By Erick Kyalo
