Marsabit Killings Call for Improved Security

The death toll from the attacks on a village in Turbi, Marsabit district by armed raiders now stands at 79. A major security operation is underway but for the grieving families it is too little too late. There is no gainsaying the need for troop reinforcements in an area where tension between the Borana and Gabra communities has reached unprecendented levels. Death and destruction is winding its way through Marsabit and Moyale and heavily armed raiders have even prevented police from accessing some of the affected areas.

The situation remains volatile and the locals are understandably apprehensive. They believe that more raids might take place in the next few days as the two clans try to avenge this week's deaths and others reported in the last few months. It is hard to get to know what is exactly going on there as the area has poor roads and communications facilities.

The government has sent the elite General Service Unit to restore order. The crack paramilitary outfit is known for its efficiency in tackling bandits. While the government is trying its level best to tackle the new internecine strife menace, there are lessons it can take from the sad events at Turbi. One is that border security has to be improved. It is a clear thing that the porous borders we have with Ethiopia and Somalia pose a serious threat to our own internal security. Armed groups are known to cross the border before unleashing death and destruction after which they go back to the safety of their bases.

We need to have more military bases and GSU camps in these border areas. That way rapid deployment of security forces can be done the moment armed groups attack civilians. Flexing military and police muscle is needed if we are to send a strong signal to our neighbours that this is not a playing field for armed groups. Kenyan lives have to be protected.

Then there are the leaders from the affected areas who have themselves failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that they have not been fanning tribal hatred. They need to be reined in and if found to be behind the clashes, then they should be locked up. Many of them are known to encourage tribal clashes and even fund suspect activities like cattle raids. It has to be said though that some are mature leaders but a little perusal should weed out the bad from the good.

These are not times to let peace slip through our hands. Kenya is known to be an island of peace. We cannot let a few individuals threaten our stability and progress. Just a few months ago, lives were lost in Mandera when the Garre and Murule clans battled. The loss of life and destruction of property is still being felt and the locals there have the unenviable task of picking up the pieces after such unnecessary bloodshed and destruction.

The government must set an example with the Marsabit clashes. What happened in Turbi must never be repeated in independent Kenya. Long live the peace, love and unity we continue to espouse.