Written By Lisa Murimi
Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana has linked recent intercommunal clashes in the county to unresolved issues over administrative boundaries and resource allocation, which he argues have led to substantial loss of life and property.
Speaking in Mombasa on Wednesday, Governor Godhana highlighted these long-standing grievances, saying that the national and county governments’ failure to address them has fueled tensions.
“The challenges facing Tana River are multifaceted,” said Godhana, referencing boundary conflicts with neighboring counties and disputes over resources within local communities.
He further noted that politically backed migrant communities have moved into the county, intensifying these tensions.
The violence, which erupted in Anole village in Bangale Sub-County and spread to Nanighi and Matagala villages, claimed 18 lives and left many injured.
In response, regional security and intelligence teams, led by Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha, were deployed to stabilize the area.
Governor Godhana urged the national government to engage fully with local communities to resolve boundary issues and ensure peaceful coexistence.
“Clear boundary demarcations, from the ward to sub-county level, are crucial to ending these conflicts,” he emphasized.
Investigations into the recent violence are ongoing, with the governor recently summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Nairobi for questioning.
