Holugho residents demand justice after one killed, 15 injured in attack

*Residents of Holugho town during the security meeting that was convened by ODM-nominated MP Umulkheir Harun. [PHOTO: STEPHEN ASTARIKO]*

Angry leaders and residents of the Holugho sub-county in Garissa have lamented over a Sunday incident in Kurunjo village where one header was killed and 15 others seriously injured.

During the incident, the residents alleged that a convoy of two vehicles that was from Holugho heading towards Boni Forest stopped in the village where armed personnel disembarked and rounded up pastoralists who were looking after their livestock.

When the press visited Holugho town on Monday, tension was evident as angry residents watched the 15 who were injured being airlifted to Manda in Lamu for treatment while the deceased victim was laid to rest at the local cemetery.

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According to Khalif Farah, one of the victims, they were ordered to either produce members of al Shabaab who were in their midst or reveal where they were hiding.

“We tried telling them that we had absolutely no idea where the al Shabaab were and that all we were doing was grazing and watering our animals. But they could hear none of that. What followed was kicks, blows and through whipping,” he said.

*ODM nominated MP Umulkheir Harun speaking in Holugho town.*

“The ugly incident went on for close to 30 minutes and despite our cries and pleas, they couldn't listen. They then left us for dead and proceeded with their journey. unfortunately, one of us who was injured seriously bled, dying a few minutes later after they had left,”.

The victim was identified as Abdi Sadow Mohamed,56.

Aden Hussein, another victim, who suffered a fracture on his ribs described the incident as horrifying and traumatizing pointing an accusing finger at security officers.

“These people were in uniforms and wore balaclavas. What shocked us is the level of anger that they displayed to us; beating us like we had committed a crime,” he said.

Speaking to the press in Holugho town, ODM-nominated MP Umulkheir Harun described the incident as heartbreaking saying that the community had been left in utter distress, shock and disbelief.

Umulkheir who later held separate meetings with the locals and the security apparatus condemned the attack.

She noted that locals are willing and ready to work with the security agencies but said communities’ fundamental rights and freedom must be respected adding local leadership will continue to speak up against injustices.

“It is utterly disheartening to witness people being subjected to exploitation and abuse. We keep telling the government whether it is the police or the military, you cannot work in a community in this manner,” she said.