Drought sparks feuds among pastoralists in Kenya

A biting drought and scarce livestock resources in Kenyas Northwest has fueled communal feuds in the region leading to deaths and destruction of property. In the past months, more than 15 people have been killed and several heads of cattle stolen in revengeful attacks between the Turkana and Pokot communities. The dry spell has pushed food prices with many areas experiencing food shortages. There are also reports of high mobility by herders in search of water and pasture. Conflicts over scarce resources along the communal borders have resulted to bloody clashes. Humanitarian aid workers in the region and officials admit that hostilities among the pastoralists have heightened leading to deteriorating security. There has been relative calm but the biting drought is triggering feuds, Lucas Ariong, an official with Riam Riam organization told Xinhua on Saturday. On Saturday, tribal warriors torched and destroyed grazing fields to punish rival community. Turkana warriors burned 100 acres of grazing fields and destabilized electricity supply in Pokot Central District. Local District Commissioner Daniel Kurui said the Turkana warriors blazed pasture in Salmach and Kambi Karai areas. The fire also destroyed electricity poles on the Turkwel-Sigor power line disrupting power supply to Sigor and Chesogon areas. It is a deliberate action by the Turkana. They are out to frustrate Pokot herdsmen and it is regrettable that the entire district has no power after the electricity poles were burned, said the official. The official said he had contacted Turkana South District Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri to pursue and arrest the culprits. The official said security forces will be increased at the border to quell possible violence. Local pastoralists led by area civic leader Roselyne Chepokwoh and women leader Teresa Lukichu protested against the torching of the grazing fields and urged Turkana leaders to restrain their people from attacking the Pokots.