AFRICA/KENYA - At least three dead in clashes over cattle rustling in the northwest

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - Tension along the border between the county of Kisumu and that of Nandi, in north-western Kenya continues, where in recent days at least three people died in clashes between the Luo and Nandi community.
Several people on both sides of the border, in particular women, the elderly and children, have fled their homes for fear of further attacks.
About 425 people have taken refuge at the Africa Inland Church in Achego and are assisted by the Kenyan Red Cross.
The clashes are due to cattle rustling, but the possibility that incidents of this kind can be fed and exploited for electoral purposes was denounced by Catholic Bishops and other religious leaders of Kenya who blame politicians ahead of the 2017 elections for inciting hate speeches (see Fides 30/05/2016 and 15/06/2016). In particular, in March the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya issued a warning on the formation of some political militias who "sow" violence ahead of elections (see Fides 01/04/2016), while in April the Bishops denounced the tribalism and radicalization of young people "in dangerous groups, who create insecurity" (see Fides 12/4/2016). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/06/2016)

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