Pressure is mounting on the Kitui County leadership following growing concerns over a surge in violent crime, gender-based violence and mysterious killings that have unsettled residents across parts of the county.
The concerns came to the fore on Thursday when members of the National Liberal Party (NLP), led by party leader Dr Augustus Kyalo Muli, staged a peaceful demonstration in Kitui Town to protest what they described as deteriorating security and the failure by authorities to adequately address residents’ fears.
The demonstrators cited a series of incidents that have shocked the county in recent months, including the killing of more than five women in Kitui Town over the past two months. The deaths have sparked anxiety among residents, particularly women, with calls growing for stronger security measures and faster investigations.
The protest also highlighted recent discoveries of bodies in Mwingi. According to local leaders, at least seven bodies have been recovered in and around Mwingi Town in the past month, raising fresh questions about public safety and criminal activity in the area.
Addressing residents during a public sensitisation forum before the demonstration, Dr Muli said insecurity had reached worrying levels and required urgent intervention from both county and national government agencies.
He argued that many residents, especially women, now live in fear due to rising cases of violence and gender-based attacks.
Following the demonstration, Dr Muli and a delegation of residents sought to present their grievances to Governor Dr Julius Malombe at the county headquarters. However, according to the NLP, attempts to secure an audience with the Governor were unsuccessful.
The development has since triggered a political dispute, with the party accusing the county administration of failing to engage citizens on matters affecting their safety and wellbeing.
In an open letter dated June 12, Dr Muli said the county government had a constitutional obligation to listen to residents and work with other agencies to address security challenges facing the county.
The party further called for the convening of an emergency security and gender-based violence summit bringing together county officials, security agencies, women’s organisations and community leaders to develop a coordinated response to the crisis.
Among the proposals advanced by the party are increased street lighting in urban centres, establishment of safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence, enhanced police patrols and strengthened collaboration between local communities and security agencies.
The letter also demands regular public engagement forums between county leaders and residents, arguing that open dialogue is critical in addressing emerging concerns before they escalate into crises.
The latest developments are likely to intensify debate over security in Kitui County, with residents increasingly demanding answers over the killings and the discovery of bodies in Mwingi as investigations continue.
