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Kenya: Tensions over pasture in drought-hit Isiolo, Laikipia

ISIOLO, 29 June 2009 (IRIN) - //UPDATED// Drought has intensified in the northern Kenyan districts of Isiolo and Laikipia, reducing available pasture and raising tensions between farming and pastoralist communities in the area, locals said.

Tensions flared on 27-28 June, when members of the Pokot community, who live in Laikipia West District, clashed with other communities in Sipili area. Five people were killed and hundreds of families forced to abandon their homes.

"Most of those who have abandoned their homes sought refuge with friends and relatives in nearby villages," Francis Wambua, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) coordinator in Isiolo, told IRIN on 1 July.

One primary school, Wangwashe, was closed after pupils fled with their families. The clash also disrupted transport and the livestock trade in the area.

"Tension is still high; many families have stopped working on their farms [and] moved to areas where they feel safe; some are being hosted by family friends or relatives," Wambua said.

However, Paul Kariuki, the police officer in charge of Laikipia West district, said the tensions had been exaggerated. Regular and administration police, he added, had been deployed in all villages around Sipili to protect civilians.

"All the residents have gone back to their homes and farms apart from a few who leave their homes at night to go to shopping centres out of fear," Kariuki told IRIN.

Following the incident, the KRCS is distributing food to children in the affected area.

Conflict between nomadic and farming groups in the region has increased since the beginning of 2009 and local residents fear it could worsen as the drought bites.

A local farmer, Daniel Kamau King'ori, said herders from Samburu and Isiolo districts had "invaded" their farms in search of pasture, claiming they were armed.

"We sympathize with them, but they should respect us and stop destroying our crops. The government must expel and arrest all herders with guns," King'ori said.

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Topics: Communal conflict,