Tensions flare in Bura, Tana River as three men are killed in land dispute

Tension looms in Bura Constituency in Tana River County following escalated ethnic rife over land. This is after three men were murdered and their bodies disposed of at Kiembeni Village along the Bura-Hola highway.

According to police reports, gunshots were heard at night in the area, where two communities have a row over land.

At dawn, the police visited the area only to find the bodies of three men aged 70 years, 34 years and 20 years, killed by unknown armed assailants.

Hassan Bamaru, a resident, said they had been threatened by their neighbours since they relocated to the area.

"We were told by the County Government to settle in this place during the floods, but our neighbours claim that this is their grazing land and have sworn to finish us," said Hassan.

According to Hassan, the community has no ill motive against their neighbours and is only heeding the call by the government as advised on mitigating future disasters.

He notes that the community has sought help from security agencies in vain, while members of their community continue to get killed by their neighbours day after day.

"The police are aware that these people have automatic guns against the law. We don't have guns. The police are not taking this matter seriously and it's sad because this county is headed in the hands of terrorists," he said.

Ramadhan Babisane, a community leader demands proper attention from the Ministry of Interior, urging CS Kithure Kindiki to carry out a rapid operation to mop out all illegal guns in the county.

He warns that complacency in addressing the matter will plunge the region into chaos that will be difficult to control.

"It is apparent that there are communities that are deliberately armed and that is what is inspiring this chaos, it is not a matter to be taken lightly," he said.

Fear has gripped homes, as the violence spreads through social media platforms and into villages.

More than five people have died as a result of the violence in less than a week.

Tana River County Commissioner David Koskei notes that all efforts are being made to bring the perpetrators to book, and warns that the Kangaroo Courts will not be allowed to settle cases of murder.

"When you kill someone, you must face the law, the respective communities must bring to us the perpetrators of violence or they surrender by themselves in 24 hours, "he said.

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• Tana River as three men are killed in land dispute

Meanwhile, he has noted that a thorough search has commenced to find the alleged illegal firearms reported to have been used during the violence.