Banissa: Leaders, elders, and residents from the Garre and Degodia communities convened in Banissa for a high-level inter-community peace dialogue following recent tensions that escalated after the brutal killing of six members of one family in Murutho village, Banissa Sub-County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the peace meeting, led by Mandera County Commissioner Henry Ochako, aimed at fostering reconciliation and finding lasting solutions to prevent further violence and promote peaceful coexistence. Commissioner Ochako reiterated the government’s firm commitment to ensuring peace in the region through continuous engagement and dialogue. He assured residents that a manhunt is underway for the perpetrators of the Murutho killings.
‘Those responsible for this heinous act are known. We are actively pursuing them, and they will face the full force of the law,’ he said. Ochako urged the community to resist any temptation on retaliatory attacks, stressing that the killings would only fuel further instability. He warned those behind recurring violence that the government is closely monitoring the situation.
‘Let this be the last such incident. We will not allow senseless killings to continue under our watch,’ added Ochako. The peace dialogue emphasized the need for mutual understanding and collaboration between the Garre and Degodia communities. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to upholding peace and rebuilding trust.
Commissioner Ochako also called on community elders to assist in identifying and handing over any individuals involved in criminal activities, urging residents to cooperate fully with security agents. ‘We must work together to root out the few individuals trying to destabilize our region. Peace is the foundation for development,’ he said.
Leaders led by Mandera Senator Ali Roba have strongly condemned the recent killings in Murutho village, terming the loss of innocent lives as senseless and unjustifiable. ‘As leaders, we find no apparent cause or justification for such a senseless loss of life,’ Senator Roba stated during the peace dialogue meeting held in Banissa. He called on residents to remain calm, united, and resilient in the face of the tragedy.
‘We urge all residents to stay calm and maintain unity during this difficult time. We share your grief and stand with you. We are committed to shouldering this burden together as we pursue lasting peace and justice,’ he added. Elders from both the Garre and Degodia communities echoed the senator’s sentiments and pledged to take a leading role in fostering lasting peace and reconciliation in the region.
The meeting marks a significant step in bringing together leaders and communities to prevent further violence and restore harmony across Mandera County. The event is part of ongoing efforts by the Mandera County Government, in collaboration with peace stakeholders, to promote unity and sustainable development across the county.