Garissa peace advocates demand end to inter-communal land skirmishes fuelling violence

A powerful call to end inter-communal land conflicts rang out in Garissa town as leaders, youth, and peace advocates gathered to mark International World Peace Day.

The event, held at Garissa High School grounds, saw speaker after speaker condemn the rising violence caused by land disputes—conflicts that have already claimed several lives.

Sheikh Hassan Abdi, a senior official from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) in Garissa, strongly criticised the ongoing clashes.

"It is shameful for the three main clans in Garissa to continuously fight over land," he said. "We have enough land for everyone. This bloodshed must stop."

Garissa Peace Chairman Hassan Osman described a tense standoff on Saturday night, when peace committees were forced to intervene between armed groups fighting over land. He called for urgent and long-term solutions involving all stakeholders.

Assistant County Commissioner Kennedy Ole Ledama, reading a speech on behalf of County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, issued a stern warning.

"The government will no longer tolerate violence tied to land skirmishes," he said. "We have vast land—why kill each other?"

Community dialogue

He praised peace stakeholders for championing community dialogue, supporting youth livelihoods, and tackling radicalisation, while urging communities to embrace coexistence.

"Peace is not imposed—it's cultivated. And it's everyone's responsibility," he said.

Youth leader Nasteh Buraze urged local youth to be mindful of their online activity, warning that social media can fuel tensions.

"Let's not indulge in reckless information that could ignite violence," he said, also calling for stronger responses to rising teen violence in the town.

Ifrah Issack, from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, stressed the importance of engaging young people through structured dialogue platforms.

"Most of these young people need to be heard, guided, and educated on the value of peace," she said.

Education leaders voiced similar concerns. Abdirahman Shakul, Principal of NEP Technical Training Institute, warned that continued unrest could undermine the region’s economy, education, and job opportunities.

Other Topics To Read

• Northern Kenya
• SUPKEM
• inter-communal land conflicts
• land skirmishes
• ethnic violence
• International World Peace Day
• Garissa peace advocates demand end to inter-communal land skirmishes fuelling violence
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County officials—including Mohamed Suleiman (Trade and Investment), Fardowsa Adow (Peace and Cohesion), Abdullahi Idle (Peace Directorate), Mulki Mohammed (Environment), and Shaiya Hutle (Garissa Township Admin)—also joined the collective appeal for unity.