Tribal conflicts, cattle theft and border disputes have plagued parts of northern Kenya for years, but a record drought across East Africa has exacerbated existing tensions between tribes in the region.

The number of deadly clashes over property, scarce livestock and crop fields has escalated significantly among tribes in Kenya's northern rural region of Turkana and others from bordering countries, including Ethiopia and Sudan.

Civilian villagers in Turkana have armed themselves with rifles as they carry out everyday tasks, in a bid to protect their families and property.

Al Jazeera's Catherine Soi reports from Turkana on how rampant theft and killings have forced many civilians to resort to desperate measures to ensure their security.