3 More Deaths in Tana Early Tuesday as Cycle of Violence Persists

Three more people were killed in fresh attacks in Tana River on Tuesday morning, despite a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed there on Monday when some 38 people were killed.

Police said the killings occurred at Semikaro area even as more police officers were deployed to quell the chaos.

“Three people have been killed and the fighting is currently going on,” a senior police officer told Capital FM News from Tana River.

The Kenya Red Cross Society said there were also attacks at Nduru and Shirikisho villages within Tana Delta.

“We have witnessed fresh attacks since this (Tuesday) morning. Hundreds of attackers have regrouped and the attack is ongoing with houses on fire and people fleeing,” KRCS said in a statement adding. “The humanitarian situation is becoming more and more dire as KRCS continues to respond.”

“We have witnessed fresh attacks since this (Tuesday) morning. Hundreds of attackers have regrouped and the attack is ongoing with houses on fire and people fleeing,” KRCS said in a statement adding.

Police officers deployed to the area were forced to retreat after more than 200 militia started shooting indiscriminately at them near one of the burning villages – according to police sources.

Acting Internal Security Minister Yusuf Haji was expected in the area later on Tuesday with a high-powered delegation of security officials including Criminal Investigations Director (CID) Director Ndegwa Muhoro and Administration Police Commandant Samuel Arachi.

On Monday, President Mwai Kibaki ordered police to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the region to enable them restore peace after 38 people were killed; only two weeks after 69 others were massacred in the same region since last month.

He also directed the deployment of extra security personnel.

Capital News