By: Osama Abdille
The ongoing conflict between the Degodia and Garre communities in Mandera County has inflicted devastating consequences on local communities, including significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and a growing number of orphans left without support or justice.
Historical tensions between these clans, often rooted in disputes over resources like grazing land and water in arid regions such as Banisa sub-county, have persisted for decades, exacerbating poverty and instability in an area already vulnerable to cross-border threats from Somalia.
Despite a peace resolution brokered in May 2025, involving joint meetings between Garre and Degodia elders under the leadership of Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, the accord failed to deliver lasting results, with violence continuing to erupt shortly after.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condemned the escalating clashes in May, noting that attacks in areas like Muruthow had claimed over 10 lives, including that of a six-month-old child, and injured many others, highlighting a blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law.
In the midst of this turmoil, leaders from Mandera County have shifted focus to campaigning for candidates in the upcoming Banisa constituency by-election, scheduled following the tragic death of MP Kullow Maalim Hassan in March 2025.
Prominent figures, including Governor Khalif and Deputy Governor Dr. Ali Mahamud, have publicly endorsed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant Ahmed Maalim Hassan—the late MP’s brother—framing their support as a means to foster tribal unity and peace.
However, this political maneuvering appears to prioritize electoral gains over genuine reconciliation, as evidenced by calls for a second resolution with clan elders without first addressing the root causes of the initial failure, such as inadequate enforcement, lack of accountability for perpetrators, and insufficient community involvement.
Organizations like the Rural Agency for Community Development & Assistance (RACIDA), supported by international partners such as IOM Kenya, have stepped in to facilitate additional dialogues, including a high-level peace forum in June 2025 aimed at promoting restorative justice and social cohesion.Yet, these efforts have been undermined by ongoing politicking.
Tragically, the most recent flare-up of violence in the Wargudud and Ashabito areas around early September 2025 has resulted in at least four deaths, leaving families in mourning and further entrenching divisions.
This incident, overshadowed by the by-election campaigns and peace rallies led by county officials, raises serious questions about the cyclical nature of the conflict: Why do clashes recur despite repeated interventions? Are influential leaders protecting those responsible for inciting violence to maintain political alliances?
The security forces, under the county commissioner, have proven ineffective in managing these inter-clan skirmishes, often responding reactively rather than preventively, which has allowed militias and external factors—like spillover from Somali conflicts—to exploit the chaos.
It is against this backdrop that we appeal to the Cabinet Secretary for the Interior to intervene decisively—deploying additional resources, conducting impartial investigations, and holding perpetrators accountable to break this vicious cycle.
Politicians must set aside their ambitions and prioritize authentic security measures, such as community-led patrols, resource-sharing agreements, and economic development initiatives to address underlying grievances.
To the Degodia and Garre communities , who share a rich Somali heritage, cultural ties, and a history of coexistence: Let us honour our common bonds by rejecting violence and embracing dialogue.
The orphans, widows, and displaced families deserve more than empty promises—true peace is not just a resolution on paper but a commitment to justice, unity, and shared prosperity for all in Mandera County.
Osama Rashid Abdille is a political leader from Banisa Constituency, Mandera County
