Governor Godhana urges state to resolve boundary disputes

Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana. [File, Standard]

Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana wants the government to resolve boundary dispute between the county and its neighbours to restore peace and security.

Dhadho said the boundary dispute between Tana River, Kitui and North Eastern is among underlying factors blamed for the recent inter-clan conflict.

He warned that although peace has been restored, underlying factors like land conflict, water, pasture and sub-county and county boundary stalemates remain threats to security.

Speaking in Mombasa, Godhana blamed the local administration for arresting politicians instead of seeking to resolve the issues that trigger conflict like sharing of resources.

In the recent clashes in Bangale and Tana North where 19 people died, the governor, Bura MP Yakub Adow, Galole MP Said Hiribae, his Garsen counterpart Ali Wario and former Tana River Women Representative Rehema Hassan were arrested.

Also arrested were clan elders and some MCAs as the security team moved to quell the tribal clashes.

In a gazette notice, Inspector General Police Douglas Kanja, ordered civilians to surrender all the guns  to the security agencies.

Godhana also said influx of other communities in the region has sparked animosity over scramble for resources.

“If they are pursued and solved they will ease the differences between the communities in Tana River, the sub-county and ward boundaries are part of the issues. Of course when we talk about those issues we talk about land,” said Godhana.

The governor said that despite the issues being well known by the national government it has failed to amicably resolve them.

He accused the government of dragging its feet on some of the matters raised by the people and local leaders.

“The issues have been presented to the national government, and they have not been resolved for years; it's historical. Same issues have been discussed within leadership, some of these issues have been in court and rulings made, but there has not been implementation,” Godhana stated.

He condemned the violence that broke out last month and called for peaceful coexistence among the warring clans.

The governor wants the government to ensure justice for the victims of the recent clashes.

Godhana demanded answers on how guns found their way into the hands of civilians leading to the deaths.

“We believe they have enough evidence to pursue the matter. I was arrested, but my arrest was to divert the attention from the real problem,” he said.

"They did so to show the public that they are serious about solving the problem. The residents and public are waiting to see if justice will be served,” he added.