Tana River: Several villages in the Bangale and Tana North sub-counties in Tana River have been deserted following a series of deadly attacks, escalating a conflict that has claimed 18 lives to date. The situation escalated over the weekend with additional fatalities and widespread arson, prompting government intervention and arrests of local leaders. According to Kenya News Agency, the conflict intensified late last week, leading to retaliatory attacks between communities. On Saturday, armed militants killed four more individuals in the Meti area of Tana North Sub County. Among the casualties was a local chief's son, whose murder was followed by the torching of his and the assistant chief's residences. This has contributed to the rising death toll and sparked a mass exodus of villagers seeking safety. The violence has led to significant governmental and law enforcement responses. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared parts of Bangale and Tana North subcounties as disturbed areas for 30 da ys. Concurrently, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja mandated that residents surrender all firearms to the nearest police stations. Tana River Governor Godhana Dhadho and Galole MP Said Hiribae were detained for questioning related to the conflict, highlighting the serious attention the crisis is receiving from national authorities. Religious leaders from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) in both Garissa and Tana River counties have publicly denounced the violence, urging a cooperative effort to restore peace. Sheikh Hassan Abdi, a prominent cleric, emphasized the historical coexistence and resource sharing among the affected communities, labeling the recent developments as a breach of both social and religious norms.