This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
On Monday, bandits shot dead four youth, including two university students, in Marsabit, sparking days of protests in the area. The incident occurred at Badasa on the Marsabit-Songa road, 12 kilometres from Marsabit town, while the victims were riding a boda boda home.
Among the victims were 23-year-old Jesca Leado, a bright and ambitious soul who was a key figure in the organisation of the inaugural Rendille Cultural Night as vice chair of the Rendille University Students Association. Leado was schooling at the Tangaza University College.
Another victim, Peter Obeile, 25, was an IT student at Kenyatta University. He had attended Kisima Secondary School for his secondary education. The other victims were Dan Lantare, 17, and boda boda rider Chuchu Mosor, 23.
“Four young souls, four bright stars, had their lives ended by the senseless tribal killings that have been the order of the day here in Marsabit. We demand for justice for the souls lost by the Rendille community. Justice must prevail for peace to prevail,” said Stephen Basele in a condolence message to the families of the four youths.
Following the incident, the Government initiated peace talks among elders from various communities in Marsabit County. The talks, which started on Wednesday, target elders from Borana, Gabra, and Rendille. The peace efforts come amidst further killings that raised the death toll to six in four days.
County Commissioner Evans Achoki said the security team had partnered with elders and religious groups to spearhead peace building efforts in hotspot areas. Police are still tracking down the gunmen involved in the Badasa incident.
Governor Mohamud Ali and Saku MP Ali Rasso have categorised the incident as organised crime. In a press statement, Mr Ali said: “We are certain beyond the least shadow of doubts that these wanton killings were not as a result of conflict between communities over resources or ethnic-hatred”.
