Three people died yesterday at Rhamu, Mandera north district, as clashes between two rival communities escalated following the killing of a prominent trader. Haji Belle Hammed of the Degodia clan died on the spot on Thursday after he was knocked down by a campaign vehicle at Rhamu trading centre.

The incident sparked clashes between Degodia and Garreh clan members. Several houses were razed. The provincial security committee later toured the area. The police boss, Stephen Weda, said the man was hit by the vehicle as the driver tried to speed away from rowdy youths who were pelting his car with stones.