Madogo: Local leaders and community elders in Madogo, Tana River County, have called on residents to avoid blaming particular communities for crimes perpetrated by criminals terrorizing the area. This appeal follows inter-community conflicts that began after a man was killed during a robbery incident, leading to a retaliatory killing the following day.

According to Kenya News Agency, traders in the area are also facing losses as business activities have significantly decreased over the past week. Fear has spread across the town, prompting people to retreat to their homes early. Speaking to the press in Madogo, area Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Juma Ali urged residents to treat criminals as individuals rather than attributing the actions of one person to an entire community.

Ali stated, “Over the past few days, we have had tensions in Madogo because there was someone who was murdered and days later, another person was also killed. These incidents should not bring tribalism in our communities here, because those people were killed by criminals and not a certain tribe.” He emphasized the need for thorough government investigations to apprehend the perpetrators.

Abdirahman Abadiba, a Munyoyaya community elder in Madogo, criticized some parents for ignoring their children’s suspicious activities and shielding them when they are involved in criminal activities. Abadiba expressed concern over the number of children dropping out of school to join criminal gangs, with little intervention from their parents.

He urged the community to coexist peacefully and avoid discrimination based on tribe, race, or religion, warning that ongoing conflicts could deter investors and hinder development in the area. The Madogo region is currently grappling with a high crime rate perpetrated by a criminal gang known as kayole. Young individuals, some as young as 12, have been using knives, rungus, and machetes to rob citizens and break into homes.