By.Riyaq Ahmed
A clan clash is brewing in lafey Sub -County,Mandera County after armed men camouflaged a contractor on friday morning while on site.
“There was a fierce fire exchange between what is suspected to be clan militias and the police reservists guarding equipment at the site. Most equipment including tractors at the site have been destroyed,” he said.
The national government was further blamed by the area MCA for declining to specify the specific site of the water vessel in the ward.
“Locals agreed to have the water source build at Sogle area but some leaders from other clans around have interest in the project and are trying to relocate the project,” he said.
He added that the the national government failed to specify the specific site but only talked of Warankara.
“Wankara is a ward but this projected is needed at Sogle area for the livestock in grazing fields. The national government did not point out Sogle but only talked of Warankara and this bringing a conflict now,” he said.
Mandera County Commissioner Kutswa Olaka proved the incident explaining that no incidents were reported.
“There was an incident but I am yet to know why the contractor chose to go on site when we are still having some unresolved issues,” said Mr Olaka.
Mr Olaka said the national government was funding the project through the equalization funds and called on local leadership to agree on the way forward for the project.
“We shall be meeting with leaders of both sides so that we can agree on the exact site of the project and they should commit themselves on that,” he said.
According to the county commissioner, the ministry of water in Nairobi is yet to define on the specific site of the water source.
The disputed area is populated by members of Murule clan neighbouring the Garre community located in the Mandera South and North sub counties.
“That project will not kick off until we get to know the exact site and the communities living there agree on it,” said Mr Olaka.