Tana River leaders call for peace after killing of three

Leaders in Tana River County have called for peace and unity after unidentified attackers killed three people in Tana North Sub-County.

The leaders addressed the residents during the International Day of Peace celebration on Saturday.

Governor Dhadho Gaddae Godhana, speaking via phone while on official duties, reiterated that peace in the Tana River is non-negotiable.

He also condemned the deaths of the trio, assuring residents that those responsible would face justice.

"We have seen what happens when we let our differences divide us. No one, despite their position in society, will be allowed to return Tana River to the dark days of conflict. We must safeguard the peace that we enjoy today," said the governor.

Tana River residents at the International Day of Peace celebrations in Tana River County on Saturday, September 21, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

He warned that no one would be allowed to destabilise the peace in the region and urged residents to stay vigilant and work with security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

"As we mourn the tragic deaths, we must remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals. It appears that these criminals are operating within our communities, possibly manipulated by unseen forces. Together with law enforcement, we can bring them to justice," he added.

Mwanajuma Mabuke Hiribae, the acting county secretary, who represented the governor at the event, urged the community to resist division and remain peaceful in the face of rising tensions.

Hiribae further stressed the need for solidarity in the face of recent violence.

"We must remind ourselves that peace is the foundation upon which our communities stand. For over ten years, Tana River has enjoyed relative peace, and we cannot afford to slide back into the dark days of tribal clashes and senseless violence," she said.

She called on residents to "reject division and embrace peace and harmony" despite tribal or community differences, adding that the actions of a few must not be allowed to disrupt the peace the county has worked hard to achieve.

Last week in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki met with Tana River’s political leadership, including Governor Godhana and Members of Parliament Ali Wario (Garsen), Said Buya Hiribae (Galole), and Yakub Adow (Bura), to deliberate on the county’s security situation.

Kindiki reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing the security challenges, including inter-communal tensions, farmer-herder disputes, and gang violence.

Tana River residents embrace each other at the International Day of Peace celebration in Tana River County on Saturday, September 21, 2024. (Photo: Handout)