Security has been significantly intensified in Kamuthanga, Kasayaini, and Kamari areas of Mwingi North Constituency following a fresh wave of insecurity linked to violent clashes between local residents and suspected Somali pastoralists.
The latest escalation comes after a middle-aged man was reportedly killed in Kasayaini, sparking outrage among locals and triggering protests that saw residents storm nearby police stations demanding urgent intervention.
In the height of the protests, irate locals also set ablaze a tractor that had been parked outside a police station in Kasayaini.
Speaking exclusively to Channel 15 News, Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu confirmed that he toured the affected areas over the Easter period alongside security officials, including the area OCPD.
He revealed that the violence erupted after armed pastoralists allegedly invaded farms, forcefully evicted residents from their homes, and destroyed property.
According to the legislator, the situation quickly spiraled out of control, with angry residents retaliating and demanding immediate reinforcement of security personnel.
Nzengu noted that the current deployment of 18 National Police Reservists (NPR) is insufficient to manage the volatile situation, calling for urgent reinforcement to stabilize the region. He added that additional officers are expected to be dispatched from Tseikuru Police Station to bolster security operations.
The MP further identified Kamari as one of the most affected areas due to its proximity to the volatile border zones of Kitui County and Tana River County—regions that have historically experienced recurring conflicts between pastoralists and farming communities.
For years, the border areas between Kitui and Tana River counties have been plagued by disputes over grazing land and water resources, often resulting in deadly confrontations, displacement of families, and destruction of livelihoods.
In a strong statement, Nzengu urged the deployed NPR officers to take decisive action, including the use of maximum force where necessary, to protect lives and property as provided for under the Constitution.
As tensions remain high, authorities are racing against time to restore calm and prevent further loss of life in a region that has long struggled with cyclical insecurity tied to pastoralist incursions.
