Families flee tribal clashes in Tana River

Farmers have lost millions of shillings following tribal clashes in Tana Delta. The violence, between pastoralists from two villages — Kilelengwani and Kau — fighting over grazing land, has displaced hundreds. Displaced families urgently need food after crops were destroyed and their houses burnt during the clashes. During the clashes that began this week, 500 heads of cattle heads have been slashed to death.

Their carcasses are rotting in River Tana. There are also fears of disease outbreak since the families have been drinking untreated water from River Tana. Those displaced have also spent over five days in the cold beside the river infested with hippos and crocodiles. The Kenya Red Cross Society yesterday sent food to the families but said it will not be enough.

Security has been beefed up in the area as tensions heightened between the two communities. GSU officers were sent to the are in the middle of the week. There is no buffer zone between Kilelengwani and Kau villages, which have been deserted after houses were burnt down.