Nairobi — Three people were shot with arrows and dozens of houses razed in a fresh outbreak of fighting on the Tigania East-Tharaka North border.

Arsonists also burnt down a classroom and staffroom and demolished a water tank at Thangatha Primary School. Pupils at Karambari and Kirundi primary schools were sent home as insecurity raged.

The people of Tharaka North are said to have been incensed by plans to install electricity in Katithine. The area is the subject of a dispute between the two groups.

"They are opposed to the installation of electricity in their area because it is coming from Tigania," said 85-year-old Peter M'Aragua.

Eastern provincial commissioner Claire Omollo and Central Eastern senior deputy provincial commissioner Joseph Kimiywi visited the area as the houses continued burning.

Trouble started last week after residents of Tigania blocked the road near Kunati division headquarters. The road is used to transport relief food and other supplies to Tharaka North and Tharaka South districts.

Angered by the roadblock, about 100 youths from the Tharaka side armed themselves with bows and arrows and attacked Miira area.

Ms Omollo ordered the disarmament of all the youths and the opening of schools.

She said additional police officers would be deployed to boost security.

Separately, four people were on Tuesday shot dead by bandits at Gotu area along the Wajir-Isiolo road.

Security agents said the four victims were travelling in a cargo lorry towards Isiolo when they were ambushed.

Upper Eastern deputy provincial commissioner Wenslas Ong'wayo said the bandits sprayed the vehicle with bullets but took off without stealing anything.

Other passengers in the truck, which was carrying about 10 people, sustained minor bruises.

Mr Ong'wayo said the truck had no armed escorts at the time of the attack adding that security personnel had been deployed to assist in tracking down the bandits and prevent a revenge attack.