Over 450 displaced by conflict in need of food

More than 450 people displaced by ethnic clashes in Samburu North say they have no shelter and food amid tension and heavy rains in the area.

Those displaced are mostly women, children and the elderly.

The displaced persons in Marti, about 40km from Baragoi, have sought refuge in Morrijo after their houses were torched in repeated attacks. The Samburu and Turkana communities recently clashed in Marti.

Cattle raids sparked the two communities' decade-long rivalry despite efforts to bring peace.

"After the last attack in Marti town, we were threatened and even our chief was almost shot while distributing relief food," said Wilson Leshore a resident. Mr Leshore, an elderly man, said they lacked food and shelter subjecting many children to the cold as heavy rains pound the region.

He said it has been three weeks since they fled their homes after a raid which left one dead and 128 livestock stolen. County Commissioner Mohammed Birik ordered for the return of the stolen animals which hasn't happened.

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Morrijo Chief William Lekasuyan, said despite the presence of 26 Kenya police reservists, residents were still in fear. "All the 489 people are congested in a tent in Morrijo. They have no food and are suffering. Some have migrated to Maralal," he said.