Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Fides Service)- 19 people were killed and many injured in recent tribal clashes in the semi-desert province of north east Kenya. Some of the injured were transported by air to Nairobi for treatment at the Kenya National Hospital.
Sr Caterina Geraudo a member of the Contemplative Missionary Movement told CISA that tension is high in the area now under police patrol. “We have been told to be careful because there is still danger” said the Sister on mission in El Wak, a town on the Somalia border.
Sr Caterina said people inremote villages fled to El Walk to escape the violence. She said no one is providing food for the homeless.
Clashes started in the new year when armed gangs raided several farms around the town of Mandera on the border with Ethiopia, killing 8 people. The following day a woman and a boy of 12 were killed and six others were taken to the hospital in Mandera for treatment for gun wounds.
The following week about 150 km further south 9 people were killed in clashes at El Wak which the local people said was an act of retaliation .
The fighting was between the Murule and Garre communities and the reason would seem to be a dispute of water resources and pasturelands. However some say there are also political interest behind the incidents. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/1/2005 righe 24 parole 281)
