North Horr, Kenya| A fresh wave of violence has erupted in the Dukana area of North Horr Constituency, intensifying concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the expansive and volatile region of Marsabit County.
Tensions reached a boiling point on Monday night when unidentified gunmen launched a brazen attack on the outskirts of Dukana town.
According to Dukana Deputy County Commissioner Peter Kimani, the armed assailants opened fire indiscriminately, leaving a pregnant woman with serious gunshot wounds.
The attack sparked widespread panic, forcing scores of residents to abandon their homes and seek shelter at the local police station.
“We are doing everything possible to stabilize the situation,” Commissioner Kimani said. “We urge residents who fled to return to their homes, as security agencies are on the ground and working round the clock to ensure their safety.”
The latest attack follows the recent killing of two individuals in Korka village, located within North Horr Ward.
The double homicide, still under investigation, is believed to have triggered the current bout of violence, fueling fears of retaliatory attacks and a resurgence of inter-communal tensions that have historically plagued the region.
In response to the escalating insecurity, security forces have been deployed in larger numbers across the affected areas.
Intelligence-led operations and patrols have been intensified as part of a broader strategy to restore normalcy and prevent further bloodshed.
Local leaders and elders are being urged to take an active role in de-escalating the situation through dialogue and community engagement.
Authorities believe that promoting peaceful coexistence and reconciliation efforts at the grassroots level is critical to breaking the cycle of violence.
Marsabit County, which borders Ethiopia, has long struggled with insecurity linked to ethnic rivalries, resource-based conflicts, and cross-border banditry. Despite numerous government interventions, peace in the region remains fragile and sporadic.
As investigations into the Dukana attack continue, human rights groups and local civil society organizations are calling for a sustained and coordinated approach to address the root causes of violence, including historical grievances, competition over pasture and water, and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
The government has pledged to take firm action to ensure accountability for the latest attacks and to protect civilians in conflict-prone areas.
However, residents remain apprehensive, with many fearing further violence if swift and decisive measures are not taken.
The situation in North Horr remains fluid, and security officials are appealing to the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as efforts to restore peace intensify.
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