Mwingi Central MP Gedion Mulyungi has issued a stern warning to Somali herders illegally grazing their livestock on private lands in Kitui County, particularly in Mwingi, urging them to vacate or face severe consequences. Mulyungi’s statement comes amid escalating tensions between the Somali herders and the local Kamba community, sparked by disputes over grazing areas.
The legislator expressed deep concern over the growing violence between the two communities, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent further clashes. “As leaders from Mwingi, we will not sit back and watch as communities clash over grazing field differences. The grazing lands in dispute belong to the people of Mwingi, and we won’t allow criminal pastoralists to continue trespassing on private lands,” said Mulyungi.
For the past month, Kitui residents have raised alarm over the illegal occupation of their land by pastoralists who have refused to leave despite requests from the locals. These invasions have resulted in deadly clashes, with reports of fatalities, loss of livestock, and destruction of property.
During his address, Mulyungi was accompanied by Kitui County Deputy Minority Leader and Nguni Ward MCA, Hon. Jeremiah Mutua, who had been arrested earlier by National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) officers. Mutua was reportedly detained in connection with the ongoing conflict at the Kitui-Tana River border, where tensions between the camel herders and the Kamba community continue to rise.
Mulyungi condemned the arrest, labeling it as discriminatory and unjust. “I have noted with concern the desperate and discriminative arrest of Hon. Jeremiah Mutua, who was simply defending his people,” he said.
Kitui County Assembly Speaker Hon. Kelvin Kinengo also condemned the arrest, calling it unlawful. “I condemn today’s arrest as Hon. Jeremiah is an elected leader who deserves respect while advocating for the security and rights of his people. We stand united as Kitui leaders and will not relent in our efforts to protect our people, despite the intimidation,” Kinengo said.
Kinengo further demanded the immediate release of Mutua and threatened legal action against the NCIC if the charges were not dropped. The dry season has worsened the situation, pushing camel herders from Tana River into Kitui County in search of water and pasture, raising fears of continued violence over the scarce resources.
The ongoing conflict underscores the need for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing disputes between the two communities, as leaders push for stronger measures to ensure the safety of Kitui residents and their lands.
