The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned the recent attack in Moyale, which has claimed eight lives. The incident occurred along the Kenya-Ethiopia border at Elledimtu on the Forolle-Turbi Road, where a group of unidentified assailants ambushed a vehicle transporting food supplies from Nairobi to Dukana.
Out of the ten people aboard the lorry during the Monday night attack, only two survived.
NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, noting that the county had enjoyed peaceful coexistence for the past two years.
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"As a Commission, we condole with the families who have lost their loved ones in the tragic attack. We are deeply concerned by the recent attack that disturbs the two years of peace to which NCIC had significantly contributed in achieving and trust that with the resilience of the Marsabit people and their leaders, peace and cohesion in the county are sustained," Kobia said.
Kobia reaffirmed the Commission's steadfast support for the Marsabit political leaders, who have come together and spoken out strongly on the issue.
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"We express that the tragedy is all the more critical if indeed the attackers were from across the Kenyan border and that the government will act swiftly to prevent any recurrence of such incidents," he said.
Kobia urged the residents of Marsabit to remain calm as government authorities investigate the incident and work to bring the perpetrators to justice. He emphasized the Commission's commitment to promoting peace and cohesion.
"We reiterate our commitment to ensuring that any threat to peace and cohesion is dealt with accordingly," he said.
The lorry was carrying ten passengers at the time of the attack.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, along with local leaders, condemned the brutal incident, reporting that eight of the ten passengers were shot dead. Their bodies, along with the vehicle, were set on fire. One passenger sustained severe injuries, while another, a minor, managed to escape unharmed.
“On behalf of the people of Marsabit, we the leaders, condemn these heinous acts with the strongest terms possible, as we condole with the families, friends and relatives of the deceased,” the governor said.
Following the attack, the police reported that the lorry burst into flames, resulting in the destruction of 80 bags of 100 kg maize, 60 iron sheets, five 200-litre containers of diesel, 3x2 timber, and various other goods of unknown value.