www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]
Police On Border Accused of Prejudice
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 22 July 2007 23:23
Leaders yesterday said that, because of this, the security men should be removed if peace is to prevail.
But the police warned that they would deal firmly with those involved in the ethnic skirmishing along the Kisii-Maasai border.
Led by lawyer Mr Onyancha Koina, the leaders spoke at Tabaka Mission Hospital where they visited the 18 police shot on Tuesday along the Gucha-Trans Mara border.
Four people were killed and may more injured in the confrontations.
The victims claimed they were defending themselves against attackers who had rounded up more than 400 cattle.
Two students in the hospital said the police sprayed bullets in all directions, killing and injuring innocent people tilling their land.
Gucha District Commssioner Hassan Noor Hassan and Trans Mara counterpart Wilfred Ndolo said they would not rest until the clashes are stamped out.
Speaking to the Press on Wednesday, they urged residents to maintain peace.
At least 30 people have been killed since the clashes between the Maasai and the Kisii erupted three months ago.
Some leaders have claimed the clashes are politically instigated. Doctors at the hospital said some patients were in critical condition but said others were out of danger.
Hospitalised included Mr John Mokomba, Mr Tom Okari, Mr James Omonyi, Mr Moi Omwamba, Mr Mogoi Mose and Mr Thomas Nyaribo.
"Police rounded us and our cows near the border and when we asked them why they were driving our cattle away, they started shooting at us indiscriminately," one victim alleged.
Elders from the two communities said there was no fighting at the time police struck.
During the incident, two police officers were injured and lost some belongings, including 20 rounds ammunition and a communication radio.
They were treated at the Kilgoris Health Centre and discharged. At Nakuru, leaders condemned the authors of leaflets calling on the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin communities to rise against each other.
During a reconciliation meeting, chaired by District Commissioner James ole Seriani at Stoo Mbili yesterday, the residents vowed to help arrest those behind the threatening leaflets.
Councillor Geoffrey Magenyi said the two communities "were there to stay" and cautioned against trouble-shooters. Mr Kiprono Kones said the Government should ensure the criminals are arrested.
