Survey to establish the location of the border between Kenya and Ethiopia has been suspended due to tensions in Turkana North. Experts and other surveyors who had started work along the border withdrew a month ago and have been unable to return due to frequent attacks by armed militiamen from Ethiopia. The latest tension has been caused by herders from the neighbouring country who have crossed over into Turkana North in search of water and pasture.

Turkana North DC Albert Mwilitsa said the survey work will not resume until security improves. Beacons demarcating the border were uprooted by the militiamen three years ago. Police have been deployed along the Kenya/Ethiopia border to stop more Ethiopian from Ethiopia invading the Kenyan territory.

More than 1,000 herders have crossed into the country from Ethiopia but Turkana North DC Alberet Mwilitsa saif the government has deployed extra security along the border to stop more herders from entering into Kenya.

He said Ethiopian security forces had also closed the border to help beef up security. Mwilitsa said the two governments are now working closely to ensure security is maintained along the border. "There have been tensions but we are now working closely with the Ethiopian authorities to control the situation and ensure that communities resume normal lives," Mwilitsa said.

Meanwhile more than 2,500 pupils are still at home in Baringo North after 12 school were shut down following insecurity caused by cattle rustling. The school children are among those who have been displaced in the area. The Kenya Red Cross has moved in to help the victims who are now living in camps at Bartabwa and and Kipsaraman locations.

Assistant Minister William Cheptumo wants Internal Security minister to restore security in the area where more than 7,000 people have been dislaced from their homes. The cattle rustling attacks have caused animosity between two communities in Pokot East and Baringo North. "If the government can not help us to contain this situation then those in charge of security should quit because many people are suffering in this area", said Cheptumo.

Hundreds of families have fled from their homes in Baringo North fearing attacks from armed cattle rustlers. The Red Cross has so far distributed food and non food items to affected families.

Source: The Star(Kenya)- May 21, 2012.

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