A middle-aged man identified as Harrison Lendi from Kalia, Katune Village in Mutha Ward, is fighting for his life after he was shot by suspected Somali pastoralists on Monday evening, even as President William Ruto and top government officials were in Kitui County for the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Lendi was reportedly out fetching charcoal when he was ambushed by armed herders. According to eyewitnesses, the herders opened fire on him, hitting him in the back before fleeing the scene, leaving him for dead.
Photo: Abigael Musenya | Kamba TV
He was later rescued by Good Samaritans and rushed to Kitui County Referral Hospital, where doctors managed to stabilize his condition. Medical officers confirmed that a 6-millimeter bullet remained lodged in his back for more than 24 hours before he was referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized surgery.
“He is lucky to be alive. The bullet narrowly missed vital organs. We have done what we can, but he now needs advanced surgery,” a medic at Kitui Hospital told Channel 15 News.
The attack occurred as President Ruto, accompanied by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and other senior officials, visited Kitui for the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium — an event meant to celebrate national heroes.
Photo: Courtesy | State House
However, critics have questioned the government’s silence on the recurring insecurity in Mutha, where Somali pastoralists have been accused of invading villages, killing residents, and displacing families under the guise of grazing their camels.
Local leaders and residents have repeatedly called on the government to intervene, citing loss of lives, destruction of property, and school dropouts caused by the persistent conflict.
“Who owns these camels? Who protects these so-called untouchable pastoralists who terrorize our people?” one angry resident lamented.
Despite the growing concern, Governor Dr. Julius Malombe did not address the issue during his speech at the Mashujaa Day celebrations, a move that has sparked criticism from locals who feel abandoned by both levels of government.
As Harrison Lendi continues to fight for his life in Nairobi, tension remains high in parts of Mathima and Mutha wards, where residents live in constant fear of further attacks.
