Marsabit Clashes: Two MPs to spend night in cold cells as schools remain closed

From left: MPs Chachu Ganya (North Horr) and Ali Rasso (Saku). PHOTO| CITIZEN DIGITAL

North Horr Member of Parliament Chachu Ganya and his Saku counterpart Dido Rasso will spend the night in police cells following their arrest for allegedly fanning the clashes that have left 14 people dead in Marsabit County.

The MPs were arrested on Monday in Marsabit and driven to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi to record statements on their alleged involvement in the clashes.

The two are set to be charged with incitement to violence and promotion of war like activities on Tuesday.

The arrests were met with angry protests by a section of Marsabit leaders who claimed that the two MPs had attended meetings in which local leaders had pledged to support peace-building efforts.

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Last week, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said intelligence reports had established that politicians were fanning the violence, warning that stern action would be taken against the culprits.

At least 16 schools in Marsabit have been closed following the ethnic clashes that left 10 people dead last week.

Speaking to the media on Monday, the County Director for Education Milton Nzioka said 13 primary and three secondary schools had been closed.

He noted that 81 KCSE candidates are affected by the clashes, while 394 KCPE candidates could also face a challenge if peace does not prevail in the region this week. Mr Nzioka said candidates from Sasura Girls Secondary School are being hosted by Cavarella Girls.

“Some schools are not affected at the moment because students are not registered for examinations that start on Monday,” said Mr Nzioka. He said plans will be made to ensure that all candidates sit the examinations.

Image result for Marsabit clashes

“We are still observing the situation. We hope peace will prevail so that the children can write the tests. However, plans will be made in case the situation does not improve,” said Mr Nzioka.

Those affected are Shur, Manyatta Jillo, Gar Qassa, Goro Rukessa, Mwangaza, Qubi Qallo, Lagdima, Jaldesa, Qubi Bagassa, Hekima, Boruharro, Qachacha, Dirib Gombo, Gufu Ali and Badassa primary schools.

Sasura Girls, Manyatta Jillo and Badassa Secondary schools have also been closed.

 

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