The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned the latest Marsabit attack which left eight people dead.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the commission Chairperson Samuel Kobia indicated that the attack which happened along Eledimtu-Forole Road waters down the progress made to foster coexistence among the communities in the area.

According to Kobia, before the incident where unknown gunmen waylaid a public service vehicle and sprayed it with bullets, the area had experienced calmness for the last two years.

“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission strongly condemn the killings of innocent Kenyans in Eledimtu-Forole Road in Marsabit County. Indeed, this is tragic given that the County has experienced peaceful coexistence for the last two years. As a Commission, we condole with the families who have lost their loved ones in the tragic attack,” NCIC statement read in part.

“We are deeply concerned by the recent attack that disturbs the two years of peace to which NCIC had significantly contributed in achieving, and trust that with the resilience of the Marsabit people and their leaders, peace and cohesion in the county is sustained,” the statement added.

Plea to the government

Following the tragic incident that left eight people dead, NCIC Chairperson Kobia, pleaded with the national government to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators on board.

The commission raised fears that the orchestrators of the heinous attack could have crossed the border before ambushing a bus and reigning terror on the occupants.

NCIC further lauded the area leaders for unanimously condemning the act which threatens the security if the region.

“We reaffirm our unwavering support for the Marsabit political leaders who have united and spoke with one resounding voice on the issue. We express that the tragedy is all the more critical if indeed the attackers were from across the Kenyan border and that the Government will act swiftly to prevent any recurrence of such incidents,” NCIC stated.

Nonetheless, the commission pleaded with the locals to remain calm as authorities investigate the matter.

“We call upon the residents of Marsabit to remain calm as the relevant Government authorities investigate the matter to bring the culprits to book. As a Commission mandated to facilitate peace and cohesion, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring that any threat to peace and cohesion is dealt with accordingly.”