By Betty Luke
Nearly all residents of Garbatulla Sub-county are in dire need of food and water aid as the adverse effects of drought continue to ravage the region.
Area Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Nyakundi said more than 90 percent of the residents were faced with hunger and about 94 percent of water sources had dried up.
As a result, herders from neighbouring Garissa County have started invading grazing reserves in the area causing fear and tension of possible attacks in the coming days.
“More than 10, 000 camels from neighboring counties have gotten their way into this area and the armed herders want to graze by force,” said Mr Nyakundi.
Barambate, Kulamawe and Sericho are among the most affected areas with several animals dying due to lack of water and pasture.
The dry spell has caused emaciation of livestock fetching little in market.
The administrator has however urged the locals to avoid confrontations with the neighbours to prevent loss of lives and destruction of properties.
He maintained that his office was engaging his Garissa counterpart and peace committees in both counties to ensure the Garissa herders return to their county without any fights.
“Locals should not take law into their hands but give our office time to conclude negotiation for a peaceful return of the herders to their land,” he said.
He appealed to Isiolo county government and well wishers to come in and support hungry residents with food saying the situation was worsening by the day.
