At least two people were severely injured following a land dispute tussle between two clans in Samburu, Kwale County.
According to the area OCPD Fredrick Ombaka, the incident happened on Monday near Kinagoni market within Samburu.
Ombaka told Coast Times Digital that the dispute is between Mwachanda and Mwadzine Wanzira clans. They are fighting over ownership of a piece of land.
The OCPD said a section of the members of the two clans were in a disagreement and attacked one another with Pangas and arrows leaving two people badly injured.
“It was reported at around 1130hrs by Andrew Muhwa that there was a land dispute that turned violent near Kinagoni Market involving the Mwachanda Clan and Mwadzine Wanzira Clan who both claim ownership of the land,” he said.
Among the injured were a 65-year-old man Lungwe Chitumbuwa who sustained two deep panga cuts on the head and a 70-year-old Julius Mbui who had an arrow lodged in his left arm.
The OCPD said the injured were rushed to Samburu sub-county hospital for treatment and are still recuperating.
He said police have launched investigations and eyewitnesses have been contacted for statement recording.
Ombaka said the security team will in this week engage the two communities for Baraza talks.
He urged the members of the public to observe peace and use peaceful conflict resolution methods.
Ombaka warned that any person who will take the law at hand shall be arrested and legal action taken against them.
Recently, the Samburu sub-county has been recording a spate of insecurity cases arising from land disputes and livestock theft.
Over the weekend some herders reported that over 12 cattle were stolen and later slaughtered by bandits.
At least nine skins were recovered at Maji ya Jumvi area in Mwandoni, Kinagoni Sub-location within Samburu in an ongoing police operation.
Several people linked to the theft were also arrested.
According to the locals, more than 150 cattle and 19 camels have been stolen this year.
A herder Omar Rigo said the bandits sell the illegal meet to Malindi and Mombasa.
“Our animals are being stolen and later slaughtered openly and the meat is transported to neighbouring counties,” he said.
