Tension in Madogo as fresh clashes leave two people dead
Madogo has witnessed a surge in violent crimes in recent months, with a gang known locally as Kayole terrorising residents. Some members are as young as 12, armed with knives, clubs and machetes. They have been linked to muggings, house break-ins and violent assaults.
Violence is once again gripping Madogo, Tana River County, after fresh clashes claimed the lives of two people in what began as a criminal incident but quickly spiralled into inter-community retaliation.
Local leaders are now sounding the alarm, urging residents not to turn crime into tribal conflict.
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The unrest erupted after a man was killed during a robbery. In apparent revenge, another person was slain the following day, sparking fears of deeper communal divisions.
As tension escalates, business has ground to a near standstill. Traders are counting losses as fear sweeps through the town, forcing residents to shut their shops early and remain indoors.
Local MCA Juma Ali appealed to residents to reject tribal profiling and instead focus on identifying the real culprits. (Issa Hussein)
Speaking to the press, local MCA Juma Ali appealed to residents to reject tribal profiling and instead focus on identifying the real culprits.
“Someone was murdered, and days later, another person was killed. These acts were committed by criminals, not communities. Let us stop fuelling tribal hate,” he emphasised.
“A criminal does not represent an entire tribe. We want the government to carry out thorough investigations and bring those behind these heinous acts to justice.”
Community elder Abdirahman Abadiba of the Munyoyaya community echoed the sentiments, partly blaming negligent parenting. He accused some parents of shielding their children from consequences, even when those children were involved in gang activity.
“Too many of our youth are dropping out of school and joining criminal gangs. And instead of questioning how your child brings home stolen goods, some parents welcome it,” Abdirahman lamented.
Community elder Abdirahman Abadiba of the Munyoyaya community. (Issa Hussein)
He urged residents to unite across tribal and religious lines, warning that continued unrest would deter investors and derail development in the region.
Madogo has witnessed a surge in violent crimes in recent months, with a gang known locally as Kayole terrorising residents. Some members are as young as 12, armed with knives, clubs and machetes. They have been linked to muggings, house break-ins and violent assaults.
As the community reels from the latest wave of bloodshed, leaders are calling for urgent action from authorities and a return to peace before more lives are lost.
In October 2024, eight people were killed in Madogo following an inter-communal land dispute.
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