This archive report was first published on 14 June 2020.
Four people have lost their lives in a fresh attack in Marsabit County, a region plagued by ethnic clashes and brutal shootings.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday afternoon in Kokuto, Sagante-Jaldesa Ward in Marsabit Central, is the latest in a series of killings that have rocked the county in the past week.
According to Marsabit Central Sub-County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, the four victims were waylaid and shot dead by unknown gunmen as they were taking their animals to Jaica watering point.
"We lost four more herders in Kokuto area in the hands of cruel gunmen as they were headed to a watering point with their animals," Mr Mwanthi said.
As the death toll rises, local leaders have faulted security agencies for inaction and the State for turning a blind eye to the region's security woes.
On June 6, four people were killed in Badan-Rero, Moyale Sub-County in a cattle rustling incident that later snowballed into a retaliatory attack between the Borana and the Degodia communities along the Marsabit-Wajir borders.
Despite the formation of a peace committee including Marsabit and Wajir governors, local legislators, and other regional security agents, the killings have continued unabated.
On June 8, four young people were brutally murdered by unknown gunmen as they returned home from Marsabit town, prompting a fierce protest in the county.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, Marsabit governor Mohamud Ali, MPs Dido Rasso (Saku) and Musa Arbele (Laisamis), Senator Godana Hargura, and MCAs have called for swift action to be taken to address the insecurity menace in the county.
