Leaders call for peace following deadly inter-clan clashes in Wajir

Wajir West MP Yussuf Farah during a peace meeting in Banane, Wajir on Friday. [Mohamed Saman, Standard]

Elected leaders, government officials and elders have started peace efforts following the killing of three people in Banane, Wajir West.

Nine others were injured in inter-clan clashes blamed on a land dispute last week.

Led by Wajir West MP Yussuf Farah, the leaders visited parts of Wajir West to preach peace and urge communities to live together in peace and harmony.

The MP was accompanied by national and county government officials, security sector officials and elders.

Mr Farah said when people live together in harmony, a positive environment where everyone feels safe and valued is created.

"It allows us to focus on our similarities rather than our differences, fostering unity and cooperation. It's a beautiful way to build strong relationships and create a better world for all of us," he said.

The MP told the security agencies to bring all perpetrators -- who are hiding under the guise of clan rivalries to cause havoc and kill innocent lives -- to book.

Clannism

"I was elected to represent everyone regardless of the clan one hails from. Let us live together in peace and harmony. We are all brothers and sisters; we all know the importance of peace and I assure my constituents that anyone hiding behind clan names to commit crime will be dealt with," the MP said.

So far, several suspects have been placed in custody and are helping police with investigations.

Communities residing in northern Kenya are mostly pastoralists, and conflicts often arise out of competition for pasture, land and resources.

The peace caravan visited Qalqasha, Shanta Abaq, Banane and Boji Yarey.

Wajir Peace Elders' Chairman Mzee Sheikh Nuur emphasised the importance of peace and implored upon residents to maintain tranquility.

"Living together in peace is crucial for a happy and thriving community. It promotes understanding, respect and cooperation among the people," said Mr Nuur.