By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
April, 7, 2026 - Leaders have called for calm and speedy investigations into the killing of four herders at the border between Tana River and Kitui counties.
Garissa County gubernatorial aspirant Muktar Mohamed Shidiye, who rushed to the area, called for enhanced security in the disputed region and blamed security agencies for laxity.
According to residents, a group of people armed with machetes descended on them while they were herding their camels and began attacking them. Some of the victims sustained deep cuts.
There were unconfirmed reports that another herder was killed, bringing the number of those killed to five. Locals said six more people sustained injuries and are currently being treated in various hospitals.
Leaders visited Boka, where the victims came from, and while condoling with them, asked national security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to restore order and prevent further loss of life.
“I condemn these unfortunate incidents. We are asking security personnel to enhance security and prioritize the safety of people across the border,” said Shidiye.
The former Botswana ambassador urged the affected families to remain calm and united as investigations continue. He emphasized the need for restraint, warning that retaliatory actions could further escalate tensions in an already fragile security environment.
The conflict is linked to ongoing disputes over access to pasture and water. Members of the Somali community living in the Boka area say they are increasingly constrained, as a large portion of nearby land falls within Kora National Park, a protected area where grazing is prohibited.
Shidiye was accompanied by several local leaders, including Majority Leader at the Garissa County Assembly Mohamed Abdi Farah, alongside ward representatives and youth leaders from Garissa County.
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The leaders underscored the importance of collective leadership in addressing insecurity, as calls grow for a coordinated response to the persistent violence along the border.
The Majority Leader at the Garissa County Assembly emphasized the need for dialogue, equitable resource sharing, and intervention from relevant authorities to prevent further violence.
“We strongly and unequivocally condemn this brutal and senseless act. I appeal to our security agencies to move with speed, track down the perpetrators, and ensure they face the full force of the law without delay,” said Mohamed Abdi Farah, the Garissa Assembly Majority Leader and Dadaab Ward representative.
Community members also raised concerns about alleged mistreatment by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers. They accused some officers of harassment, burning makeshift shelters, and mistreating livestock, particularly camels.
Speaking on behalf of the community, elder Abdi Aw Ali appealed to KWS authorities to consider allowing controlled grazing within the park during extreme drought periods. He suggested that granting access to pasture areas within a 40-kilometre radius during harsh conditions could help ease pressure on resources and reduce clashes between communities.
“We call upon the government to take responsibility and provide fair and immediate compensation to the affected families. This support is crucial to help them rebuild their lives and restore dignity,” said another community leader, Ibrahim Sugaal.
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