60 killed in Kenyan tribal clashes

Nairobi, May 5 (IANS/EFE) At least 60 people were killed in attacks launched by members of the Turkana tribe against other tribes in Kenya's arid north, in disputes over cattle and pastures, according to police and Kenyan Red Cross officials.

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Osman Warfa confirmed, according to the Daily Nation newspaper, that 46 people died on Monday near the Turkana-East Pokot border, while 14 others were killed in an attack on Sunday in Samburu.

After the assault, during which an unknown number of animals were stolen, the Kenyan army sent troops to the area in order to pursue the perpetrators.

"The attack took place in a very remote zone which is inaccessible," Warfa said, adding that the assailants fled to Turkana South.

Monday's attack could have been in retaliation for a raid carried out by Pokot tribesmen against another village in northern Baringo, where 100 goats were stolen.

The Pokot and Turkana tribes have endured a prolonged conflict over livestock pasture territories in the desolate region.

--IANS/EFE

ab/dg