Tension is running high in Gababa, Abdi Gure, and Tabatak areas of Gababa location in Ijara Sub-county, following the shooting of two herders who were taking their animals to a water point along River Tana. The attackers, suspected to be from the neighboring Tana River County, fled into the nearby thickets after the incident.
The two herders attempted to defend themselves with rungus and daggers but sustained serious injuries. One herder suffered a fractured leg, while the other sustained gunshot wounds to the head and back. They were initially rushed to Masalani Sub-county Hospital before being transferred to Garissa County Referral Hospital for specialized treatment.
Gababa Location Chief Adan Omar confirmed the incident, noting that he had reported the matter to Gababa Police Post and Masalani Police Station. Ijara Sub-county Commissioner Wachira Champon stated that security agents are investigating the incident and promised to provide a detailed report later.
A former councilor from Gababa Ward, Farah Muhamed, alleged that Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs) from the neighboring Tana River County had been instructed by a local government administrator not to allow herders from Gababa Location to water their animals at the Mikindini water point in the Tabatak area.
Residents claimed they had received warnings from their neighbors in Hola, Tana River County, not to drive their animals near the Tabatak area. They are now appealing to the government to intervene and facilitate peaceful negotiations between the communities in Gababa and Tana River.
