Cohesion team warns leaders in Marsabit against fueling chaos
By Rawlings Otieno, July 13, 2021
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) yesterday condemned the violence that has erupted in Marsabit county.
The team warned leaders against making statements that can contribute to escalation of the conflict.
NCIC chairperson Rev Samuel Kobia said the violence between the Borana, Gabra and Rendille communities has left more than 100 people dead and displaced thousands in the past six months.
He warned leaders in the vast devolved unit to stop making inflammatory statements that may further fuel the violence.
“We urge the individuals to refrain from using inflammatory language and statements that may contribute to further polarisation of the communities and escalation of conflict,” said Kobia in a press statement.
Kobia said learning has been severely affected as schools have been shut down at a time when learners are sitting their end of the term examinations, adding that thousands of livestock have been stolen and several hundred houses torched.
While commending the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai for quick deployment of police officers in hotspots areas to maintain peace, he urged the security team to arrest the perpetrators, financiers, schemers and executors of the violence.
Kobia further explained that NCIC has worked and continues to work in the area to facilitate and promote equality of opportunity, good relations, harmony and peaceful co-existence between persons of the different ethnic communities, and to advise the government on all aspects thereof.
Displaced families
“He urged the County and National governments and aid agencies to support the internally displaced families with food and non food items,” he said.
The commission, Kobia vowed, will spearhead inter-community peace dialogue in partnership with other stakeholders.
“Kenya belongs to all of us. For it is only in a peaceful environment that economic, social and political development thrives. We urge all Kenyans to embrace peace as we approach the elections.”