Tana River County Governor Dhado Godhana and Galole Member of Parliament Hiribae Said Buya have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in recent tribal clashes that erupted earlier in October. The violence has so far claimed the lives of 18 people, with reports indicating the conflict is rooted in historical disputes between neighboring communities in the region.

Tribes Involved in the Conflict

The clashes are primarily between the Pokomo and Orma communities, two tribes with a history of tensions. The Pokomo, traditionally farmers, and the Orma, who are pastoralists, have experienced friction over access to land and water resources, particularly along the banks of the Tana River. These clashes are often aggravated during drought seasons when competition for grazing land and water becomes more intense.

A History of Conflict

Tana River County has witnessed several violent outbreaks in the past. In 2012, a series of violent confrontations between the Pokomo and Orma left over 100 people dead and displaced thousands. That conflict, triggered by disputes over grazing areas, escalated into full-blown attacks, with homes burned and livestock stolen. The government deployed security forces to restore calm, but deep-seated grievances have persisted over the years.

The latest clashes reflect the ongoing challenges of managing inter-ethnic relations and resource disputes in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid areas. Political leaders have previously been accused of fueling such conflicts for personal or electoral gain, a trend that continues to complicate peace-building efforts in the region.

Government Response

The arrests of Governor Dhado Godhana and MP Hiribae Said Buya indicate the government’s attempt to address potential political interference in the conflict. Local and national authorities have vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly, promising to hold accountable any officials found complicit in instigating or exacerbating the violence.

As tensions remain high in Tana River, community elders and religious leaders have called for dialogue and reconciliation efforts to prevent further escalation. Security forces have also been deployed to the area to contain the situation and ensure the safety of residents.

The latest developments highlight the complex interplay of politics, ethnicity, and resource scarcity in Kenya’s rural areas, underlining the need for sustainable solutions to longstanding issues.

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