May 22, 2013
President Barack Obama is condemning violence in Kenya that left at least 39 people dead in renewed fighting between farming and herding communities that have a history of violent animosity.
The White House says in a statement that Obama urges the Kenyan government and police, along with leaders from the Orma and Pokomo communities, to end a deadly cycle of conflict.
At least 39 people were killed early Friday when farmers from the Pokomo tribe raided an Orma village of cattle herders in southeastern Kenya. The violence appears to be driven by competition for water, pasture and other resources in the Tana River Delta.
The Obama administration is calling on all sides to intensify peace efforts in the region and says those responsible for the attack should be held accountable.
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