More than 3,000 refugees have fled their homes and camped in Ruiru, Kiambu County following violent clashes between two rival clans being hosted at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County.
At least 14 people are feared dead following clashes involving the two South Sudan clans, while several others have sustained injuries.
The war between Nuer and Anyuak clans is reported to have erupted on Tuesday last week inside the Kakuma camp in Lodwar.
Turkana County Commander Daniel Kinyua while confirming the incident to the press, said that most of the injured are being treated in various health facilities in Turkana West.
“It is unfortunate we lost people in the conflict between the Nuer and Anyuak clans. We confirm 14 people have died with some succumbing to injuries while in hospital. We have deployed more officers to the camp,” said the police commander.
Witnesses said tension had been brewing at the camp before the deadly attacks.
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Deadly Clashes Erupt in Kakuma
Government officials said security had been beefed up at the refugee camp to thwart revenge attacks and stop further bloodshed.
Kakuma Refugee camp manager Edwin Chabari while speaking to the press called for calm and urged the communities to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes.
Following the violence, some refugees sought refuge at the local police post, fearing for their safety.
However, more than three thousand refugees fled the area and travelled more than 800Kms away where they were offered shelter and support in Ruiru.
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Refugees Hosted in Ruiru
The refugees are currently camping at a crowded church in Ruiru, Kiambu county where they have found temporary shelter.
Ruiru Deputy County Commissioner Julius Too has acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured that steps are being taken to provide necessary assistance to the refugees.
“They fled and are being hosted by some of their families who reside in Ruiru,” said the Commissioner.
Further, the refugees called on the government of Kenya to provide protection so that they live peacefully without being attacked again.
The Kakuma Refugee Camp was established in 1992 and is one of the largest in Kenya.
The camp currently hosts about 288,000 refugees from nine countries within the Eastern and Central African blocs.
This includes South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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