Moyale mourns on day of joy

By Liban Golicha

Hundreds of residents of the violence-torn Moyale did not celebrate Kenya’s 50th birthday with the rest of the country.

Most of the residents were displaced during last week’s six-day gun-battle that claimed more than 10 lives and led to loss of property worth millions of shillings.

At the Moyale Baraza Park where cerebrations were held, less than 20 civilians and government officials turned up.

Area politicians also gave the ceremony,  which was addressed by deputy County Commissioner Kamunyan Chedotum, a wide berth.

Ironically, some residents were not even aware that yesterday was a special day for Kenyans across the country and the world. Women and children were still camping in different refuge camps in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Dub Liban, a resident, said 90 per cent of locals sought refuge in neighbouring Ethiopia following the attack.

Several other residents we interviewed echoed Liban’s sentiments.

They noted that frequent clashes had slowed down development in Moyale for decades. They urged the Government to bolster security and step up peace efforts.