Kenyan security force clash with Sudanese tribesmen at border

LOKICHOGGIO, Kenya, Oct. 17 -- Tribesmen from southern Sundan with the backing of soldiers have engaged Kenyan security personnel in a gun battle since Friday in northwest Kenya over a disputed border point, police and eyewitnesses said.

Independent sources said at least 15 people, including 10 officers, were killed during the fierce fighting, a claim denied by the Turkana West Police chief Ndung'u wa Ikonya.

The Kenyan security officers had moved to secure a 27 km stretch territory when Toposa tribesmen reportedly supported by Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) fired at them.

Ikonya said the officers were securing the Kenyan territory to facilitate the opening of custom and immigration offices at Natapal when they were attacked.

"Our officers had been deployed to protect the territory to enable the government open immigration offices at Natapal when they were attacked by armed Toposa warriors and soldiers," said Ikonya.

Ikonya said he had no report of casualty but confirmed heavy gun fighting between Toposa tribesmen and security officers.

"We have no causality reported on our side but I don't know if there was any causality of the attacker's side," said the police chief.

Regional District Commissioner Patrick Muriira said Kenya had sent an official complaint over the resistance.

He said officers had been deployed to secure Kenyan land invaded by the Sudanese and also fight bandit attacks on Lokichoggio-Natapal road after motorists complained.

Last August, a high powered Kenyan delegation led by Kenyan Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang was barred from visiting the border point by Sudanese soldiers.

Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula summoned Sudan envoy to Kenya and sought apology over the incident.

There have been communal clashes at the border that has left more than 30 people dead in the past couple of months. The scarcity of pasture and water resources have been the cause of conflict between Kenyan and Sudanese herders.