A family from Masalani in Garissa County has called for the immediate arrest of a National Police Reservist (NPR) attached to Hola in Tana River County over allegations that he shot and seriously injured a herdsman during an attack on local pastoralists.
According to the family, the officer allegedly shot Hussein Mohamed Bagaja in the thigh, leaving him with serious injuries, before assaulting other herders and fleeing the scene. Residents claim the reservist has been intimidating and harassing pastoralists in the area for some time.
The herders alleged that a group of armed National Police Reservists, dressed in full combat gear, attacked them while they were grazing their livestock in an open pasture near the Tana River. They claimed the officers, who are reportedly from Mikunduni village in Tana River County, opened fire indiscriminately, critically injuring Hussein Mohamed Bagaja.
“We were grazing our goats in an open pasture near the Tana River when more than ten armed men suddenly appeared and began firing at us,” said Ahmed Yasin, one of the herders.
Yasin said he was also assaulted during the attack, adding that the armed men fled the scene, leaving the injured victims bleeding.
Bagaja was rushed to Hola Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to Garissa County Referral Hospital, where he is receiving specialized medical care.
Relatives and members of the local community gathered at the referral hospital, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“When we found him in Hola, he was extremely weak and had lost a lot of blood. We want those responsible arrested and brought to justice,” said his aunt, Meynun Arte.
By the time of publication, police had not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Efforts to reach Tana River Sub-County Police Commander (OCPD) George Madolio for comment on the alleged shooting and the status of investigations were unsuccessful.
Local human rights activists have also joined calls for the immediate disarmament and arrest of all National Police Reservists allegedly involved, warning that such attacks on civilians could fuel insecurity and escalate tensions in the region.
“We urge the National Police Service to launch a swift and thorough investigation into the shooting, disarm the officers implicated, and ensure they are held accountable under the law,” said Noor Bashir, a local human rights activist popularly known as Toolkey.
Bashir also urged communities in the area to resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful means rather than violence, warning that continued attacks could result in more deaths, permanent injuries, and heightened insecurity.
The incident has once again highlighted the recurring conflicts between pastoralists and farming communities in parts of Garissa and Tana River counties. Previous clashes have claimed lives, destroyed livelihoods, and led to the loss of livestock, prompting renewed calls for the government to strengthen security and implement lasting solutions to prevent further violence.
