At least four refugees sustained gunshot injuries during a violent altercation with police at the Ifo refugee camp in Dadaab, Garissa County. The clash occurred on Saturday during the distribution of food aid meant to mark the Idd Ul Adha celebrations.
Authorities reported that the chaos erupted when a crowd of approximately 700 people gathered at the distribution point. As tensions escalated, the crowd reportedly became unruly, attempting to overrun the centre. Police officers stationed at the site responded by opening fire, resulting in injuries to four individuals.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing, with people scrambling for safety amid the gunfire. Of the injured, one refugee was shot in the chest, another in the back, while two others suffered gunshot wounds to their hands. All four were initially treated at the Ifo Red Cross Hospital before being transferred to the Garissa County Referral Hospital for specialized medical attention.
Security officials stated that the situation became uncontrollable, prompting them to use force to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation. The crowd eventually scattered, bringing a temporary halt to the food distribution efforts.
An investigation into the incident has been launched to determine the exact circumstances that led to the use of live ammunition. Authorities have promised to conduct a thorough probe to establish accountability and assess whether the use of force was justified.
The Dadaab area, including the Ifo camp, is home to over 200,000 refugees, many of whom rely on aid for survival. Distribution events, especially during festive periods, often attract large crowds, placing significant pressure on logistical and security arrangements. Tensions are further heightened by the limited availability of resources, making crowd control a persistent challenge for both aid workers and security personnel.
Human rights observers and humanitarian agencies have frequently raised concerns over the handling of such distributions, urging for better planning, transparency, and non-violent means of managing large gatherings. The shooting incident at Ifo adds to growing unease about the safety and dignity of refugees in high-pressure situations.
In a separate incident on the same day, a man was seriously injured during a confrontation with police in Marmanet, Nyahururu. According to initial reports, the man allegedly grabbed a Beretta pistol from a police officer as he was being arrested. A struggle ensued, during which the firearm discharged two rounds.
The suspect suffered gunshot wounds to his left palm and left knee. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was admitted in serious condition. Police have confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing. They plan to question both the officer involved and the injured man to gather a complete picture of the events.
Officials have emphasized the need to review safety protocols to avoid similar confrontations in the future. The twin incidents, though different in nature, highlight broader concerns around law enforcement responses and the use of force in high-stakes environments.
Calls have been made for improved police training and better strategies for managing public engagements, especially in humanitarian and high-tension scenarios. Both cases remain under investigation as authorities work to establish the facts and determine accountability.
