Tana River leaders in stern warning over rumours on planned attacks

TANA DELTA: Leaders in Tana River County have issued a stern warning to people peddling rumours aimed at creating tribal animosity.

Speaking during the official opening of Ajab Guest House in Garsen, Tana Delta district, the leaders said there has been speculation for the last one month that unknown people are planning to attack undisclosed villages in the area.

Governor Hussein Dado, his deputy Jire Siyat, Garsen MP Ibrahim Sane and Tana Delta Deputy County Commissioner Mike Kimoko said this had prompted some residents to flee from their villagers while others had not been spending nights in their homes.

"There has been fear and some people opted to spend the night in the cold for fear of attacks," Mr Sane said.

Dado warned that the rumours could ignite tribal clashes in the region similar to the one experienced in 2012.

He warned that the days of those behind the hearsay were numbered and asked residents to ignore them.

ARMED RESIDENTS

"There are reports that residents are already arming themselves," Dado said and appealed to the locals to unite and co-exist harmoniously.

"Even if some communities fought they should forget what happened and move on as nobody gained during the tribal clashes," he noted.

Mr Kimoko said security had been beefed up in the delta region, warning that those peddling the lies will soon be apprehended.

Three years ago, more than 200 people were killed, scores injured and over 800 houses torched in tribal clashes pitting the Pokomo against the Orma. More than 15,000 were displaced during the violence.