By Faith Mwende
At least eight people have been killed in escalating inter-clan clashes over a land dispute in Bangala sub-county, Tana River.
The violence, which began last week, has spread across several villages, with the opposing groups employing firearms, bows and arrows. Local authorities are struggling to restore order as the conflict intensifies.
Many residents have been forced to flee their homes, with the displaced now taking shelter in school and other public buildings, according to police reports. The clashes have resulted in multiple fatalities, including four people in Nanighi, two near KCB grounds, and two in the Anole area. The killings occurred on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sparking fears of further retaliatory violence.
The initial altercation reportedly began at a water source in Anole, where disputes between two clans led to the shooting of two men 75- year old said Mailu and 35-year-old Juma Mohammed.The violence then spread to the KCB area, where Daud Shora, a 58-year-old village elder, was shot and killed.
Bangale police commander Ephraim Karani confirmed the fatalities and assured the affected families that efforts were underway to deliver justice.
He added that tension heightened on Friday as the land disputes escalated into a full-blown conflict between the rival communities. Authorities are bracing for potential reprisals, with security forces on high alerts.