Golbo protests leave police officers, demonstrators injured.

By Caroline Waforo

Twelve police officers and 4 demonstrators were injured, while 19 vehicles, including nine buses and a police vehicle, were damaged during protests in Golbo Ward, Moyale Constituency, Marsabit County, on Tuesday.

The demonstrators were protesting against the ongoing land registration process in Dabel area.

Confirming the incident, Marsabit County Police Commander Leonard Kimaiyo said protesters blocked roads with stones and attacked vehicles using the route.

Kimaiyo urged residents taking part in demonstrations to remain peaceful and follow the required legal procedures. He also called on them to channel their grievances through the relevant government offices.

However, residents of Golbo Ward accused the government of deploying the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to disrupt the protests.

The residents alleged that some demonstrators were injured after KDF officers opened fire during the unrest.

They further maintained that the government should listen to their concerns and guarantee their safety while addressing land-related issues in the area.

The protests come despite the government’s decision to temporarily suspend the land registration exercise in Dabel to allow for dialogue and consultations among the affected communities.

Moyale Deputy County Commissioner Benedict Munywoki had earlier called on the various communities to engage in consultations to ensure that each group is given an opportunity to register and legally recognize its land.