Sunday September 8, 2024
By PERPETUA ETYANG
Outbreak of violence in the area has led to loss of life, injuries and theft of livestock.
FILE - NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has condemned the ongoing violent conflict between the Akamba and Somali communities in Mandongoi, Kyuso subounty.
NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia said the violence has left a trail of destruction between the two communities.
Kobia said the situation undermines the hard-won stability that dominated the area for long.
He said the outbreak of the violence has led to loss of life, injuries and theft of livestock.
"This is unacceptable and poses a grave threat to the fragile peace that has been painstakingly achieved in the region," Kobia said in a statement on Friday.
The commission chair condoled with the families affected by the tragedy and called on residents of Kitui and Tana River counties residing in Kyuso to refrain from any acts that may worsen the already volatile situation.
Kobia also urged all leaders in the two counties to reaffirm their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
He further asked the leaders to avoid any rhetoric that could aggravate the situation.
"As a commission mandated to facilitate peace and cohesion in Kenya, we are deeply concerned by the reckless and inflammatory remarks made by certain politicians, exacerbating tensions resulting in this violent clash," Kobia said.
The NCIC boss applauded political leaders who have advocated for peace, urging their supporters and communities to remain peaceful and allow the security agencies to address the issue and uphold the rule of law.
Kobia said NCIC in collaboration with other relevant government agencies has launched investigations into the matter.
He reaffirmed the commission's commitment to facilitate peace dialogue towards a sustainable peace for communities along the Kitui-Tana River border.