A devastating fire has been raging for three days in Isiolo County’s Merti Sub County, consuming over ten square kilometers of vital grazing fields. The fire, which began in the Matarba, Korbesa, and Malkagalla regions, is now threatening to spread further into Iresaboru, Badana, and Sericho. Local elders, residents, and human rights activists are calling for urgent intervention from both the county and national governments to contain the fire before it escalates into an even more catastrophic disaster.
Led by Mohamed Konso, the chairperson of the Borana Council of Elders, community leaders expressed deep concern about the impact of the fire on both livestock and the local population. The grazing fields that have been consumed by the fire are crucial for the sustenance of the area’s herders. The loss of these pastures could result in widespread livestock deaths, with significant consequences for the community’s livelihoods.
The fire has been burning for over 72 hours, yet no government response has been forthcoming. Konso voiced his frustration, urging authorities to treat the fire as an emergency, stressing that the rapid spread of the flames could soon engulf residential areas, destroying homesteads and local institutions. The elders are particularly alarmed by the threat posed to nearby settlements, which could be devastated by the fire if immediate action is not taken.
Though the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, some elders suspect it may have been accidental. Abdullahi Hajj Gonjobe, a Borana elder, speculated that the fire might have been caused by herders leaving unattended fires while preparing meals in the bush. The local community also harvests wild honey from the area, which could have contributed to the blaze.
The fire’s impact on local resources is severe. The affected grazing fields, if preserved, could have supported both livestock and wildlife for up to two years. The destruction of such a significant area of pasture spells disaster for the livelihoods of the people in the region, who rely heavily on pastoralism.
Despite their best efforts, residents have been unable to control the fire due to a lack of appropriate firefighting equipment. The community is now urging the government to act swiftly, suggesting the deployment of aircraft to help extinguish the flames. The fire’s continued spread is putting both the environment and the people of Isiolo at risk, and only immediate intervention can prevent further devastation.
