The people of Tana River County have seen enough bloodshed. With every fresh outbreak of violence, more lives are lost, families are shattered, and communities are torn apart. As Jumuiya News, we stand in solidarity with the people of Tana River. We cry with the mothers mourning their sons, the fathers burying their daughters, and the children whose futures have been stolen by senseless brutality. This must end. The recurring tribal clashes that have plagued the county for decades cannot be allowed to continue. It is time for bold action, genuine dialogue, and a long-term strategy to bring peace to this beautiful yet troubled region once and for all.
The root causes run deep
Tana River is blessed with fertile land, the mighty River Tana, and an abundance of natural resources. But these same blessings have become a curse for its people, pitting neighbors against one another in a deadly competition for control. The perennial conflict between the pastoralist Orma and farming Pokomo communities has been driven by disputes over land and water access, made worse by drought and political incitement. In times of scarcity, these tensions flare, turning otherwise peaceful co-existence into violent confrontations.
Yet, resource competition alone does not fully explain the cyclical nature of the clashes. Decades of marginalization, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of investment in social services have created an environment where poverty and desperation are pervasive. Politicians have capitalized on these underlying issues, using tribal affiliations as a tool for mobilization and division.
This conflict is not new, nor is it isolated. The devastating clashes of 2012, which claimed over 100 lives, left scars that are still fresh in the minds of residents. And now, in 2024, with the death toll from recent clashes rising to 19, it is clear that the peace interventions put in place are insufficient. If we are serious about quelling the violence in Tana River once and for all, we must address the root causes with a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach.
What needs to be done
Address the land question once and for all
The first step towards lasting peace is resolving the land disputes that have fueled the clashes. Many communities in Tana River lack proper land tenure, creating ambiguity over land ownership and usage rights. This makes it easy for conflicts to arise when the river changes course, or when pastoralists migrate in search of pasture during droughts. The national and county governments must work together to establish clear, enforceable land policies that recognize traditional land rights while promoting equitable access for all.
This will require involving the local communities, leaders, and elders in the decision-making process, so that solutions are seen as legitimate and just. Only by giving every community a stake in the land can we hope to reduce the tensions that arise from competing claims.
Invest in development and infrastructure
Tana River has immense potential, yet remains one of the least developed counties in Kenya. Poor roads, limited schools, and inadequate healthcare services contribute to a cycle of poverty that perpetuates the conflict. The county needs a sustained investment in infrastructure—roads to open up the region, irrigation schemes to maximize agricultural productivity, and educational institutions to empower the next generation.
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The government should prioritise projects that bring communities together, such as shared markets, water points, and joint farming ventures. By focusing on development that benefits everyone, regardless of tribe, we can begin to bridge the divisions that have been exploited for too long.
Strengthen local governance and leadership
The recent arrests of Governor Dhadho Godhana and Galole MP Hiribae Said have added a new dimension to the conflict. While it is critical that leaders are held accountable if found to be inciting violence, it is equally important that they are involved in peacebuilding efforts. The people of Tana River need leaders who can rise above tribal politics and work for the common good.
The county government must take the lead in creating a comprehensive peace and development plan that includes all stakeholders—politicians, religious leaders, elders, youth, and women. This plan should focus on conflict resolution, resource management, and promoting inter-communal dialogue. Leaders must be seen to advocate for peace not just in words, but through actions and policies that prioritize unity and coexistence.
Enhance security and early warning systems
Security forces must do more than react after the bloodshed has begun. A robust early warning and rapid response system is needed to detect signs of impending violence and intervene before it escalates. This means strengthening community policing, training local peace committees, and deploying more officers to hotspot areas.
The recent decision by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to declare parts of Tana River as disturbed and dangerous areas, and to ban the possession of firearms, is a step in the right direction. But it must be followed by continuous, proactive security engagement—not heavy-handed crackdowns that only serve to alienate communities further.
Promote peace through economic empowerment
One of the most effective ways to prevent conflict is to provide alternative livelihoods that reduce dependency on land and water resources. Investing in agri-business, vocational training, and small-scale enterprises can help diversify the economy and give young people a reason to choose peace over conflict.
The potential for agricultural development in Tana River is vast, especially with the presence of the river. Irrigation projects, fish farming, and sustainable tourism initiatives could create thousands of jobs, turning what is now a battlefield into a thriving economic hub.
A Cry for Peace
As Jumuiya News, we cry with the people of Tana River. We cry for the children who have lost their parents, for the elders who remember a time of harmony, and for the youth whose future is clouded by the shadow of violence. But crying is not enough. It is time for action—sustained, coordinated, and genuine action that goes beyond temporary interventions.
The meanders of River Tana should symbolize the ebb and flow of life, not the rise and fall of violence. The beauty of Tana River County, from its sweeping grasslands to the vibrant Tana Delta, should be a source of pride and prosperity, not a backdrop to conflict and despair. We have the power to change this narrative. We have the power to choose peace over division, unity over hatred, and development over destruction.
Let us honor the tears of Tana River by turning them into the water that nourishes a future of hope and harmony. Together, let us put an end to the senseless clashes—once and for all.
About The Author
This what people of TANA RIVER were waiting for so long to happen,,finally now government is take a big step to end this clashes and deaths every time because of the same same problem.