High toll in Kenya clashes

People in the area have a history of inter-tribal clashes

At least 55 people are now known to have died in clashes between herdsmen and cattle rustlers near the border with Sudan.

A police spokesman in Nairobi, Peter Kimanthi, said that Kenyan Turkana herdsmen had come under attack from Toposa raiders from Sudan, and that 35 Turkanas were killed, and eight injured.

The bodies of 20 Toposas were found later in surrounding bushes.

Provincial police, who are still investigating the incident, say the eventual death toll may be higher.

Mr Kimanthi said the clash took place last week, but only came to light on Thursday.

Police have been sent to the area to investigate - there have been no arrests so far.

Historical clashes

Mr Kimanthi said the Turkana fought off the raiders and recovered their stolen cattle, although they had lost six donkeys.

He said there have been several clashes between the two groups over the years - in September, about 18 people were killed in week-long rustling battles between the two groups.

But the police chief said that both tribes at a recent meeting had promised to work towards peace.

Many pastoralist tribes living in northwest Kenya, northeast Uganda and southern Sudan have raided each other's territory for cattle for centuries.