Fear engulfs Loiyangalani town and environs as two communities fight over land

Several people were injured and property of unknown value reportedly destroyed after two communities living in the lakeside town of Loiyangalani in Marsabit County clashed Thursday over land.
Area member of county assembly (MCA) Mark Ekale said the cause of the fight that allegedly started from a hotel construction site is yet to be established.
Ekale said on phone as he travelled to the ward from Moite area that no death had been recorded from the gun battle which paralyzed activities in the town.
Residents said that two lodgings and another under construction as well as individual houses were destroyed after armed men from both sides set fire on them in reactive attacks.
Efforts to get a comment from local deputy county commissioner Enock Nyarango were not successful as his mobile phone went answered.
The issue of illegal firearms re-emerged with residents calling on the government to beef up security and mop up the same.
Loiyangalani OCPD Benjamin Mwanthi said on telephone that the incident happened while he was away from the station but confirmed that two hotels were set on fire.
Mwanthi said he was yet to receive proper briefing from officers on the ground, adding that security personnel were making every effort to bring the situation under control.
Residents said that anxiety and tension has gripped the tourist town.
By Sebastian Miriti