28 August 2012, Sweetcrude/African Press Organization (APO), NAIROBI, Kenya – The UN Humanitarian coordinator has expressed concern over inter communal violence taking place in Tana River and Mandera counties, which has resulted in dozens of deaths, including a large number of children and women.
“These communities are today living in fear of retaliation, and the humanitarian consequences are severe. While the violence appears on the surface to be a long-standing conflict driven by competition for resources such as water and pasture, there is evidence to suggest the killings have a political component related to redrawing of political boundaries and next year’s general elections. I caution those who seek to manipulate innocent populations for political gain to give serious consideration to the consequences of their actions.
I call on all parties to resolve their differences through peaceful means, and urge the Government of Kenya to reinforce existing mechanisms and measures to prevent any further bloodshed.
The United Nations working with other Partners will continue to provide support to the people of Kenya in their efforts toward peaceful coexistence.”
