Ethnic Clashes Leave 43 Dead In Northern Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya (PANA) - At least 43 people have been killed and several others left wounded in two days of fierce clashes between the Somali and Borana communities in northern Kenya.
The fighting occurred in the Isiolo central division, near Isiolo town, about 324 km from Nairobi.

The dead comprise three policemen, including an inspector who tried to quell the clashes.

Initial reports by survivors indicated that 32 Somali and eight Boran were killed during the fight that lasted for more than 30 hours, while police reports put the number of dead at seven.

The fighting erupted Sunday night at the West Gate area of Samburu/Shaba National Reserve, 40 km north of Isiolo town after over 400 armed bandits attacked a village, killed four villagers and made away with more than 2000 cows, 500 goats and an specified number of camels, police said.

Riot security officers pursued the bandits, but were ambushed.

"Three officers, including the deputy Isiolo police commander, a police constable and a police reservist were shot dead in the ensuring exchange of fire," a police spokesman confirmed.

The attack was the culmination of tension that has been high in the area since mid 1999, when herdsmen from the Somali community moved into the area with their animals in search of grazing fields and water.

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