Residents of Ngomeni and Mandongoi in Mwingi North, Kitui County in Kenya, have fled their homes following a series of violent attacks by heavily armed bandits, reportedly protecting camel herders from Garissa County.
The attacks, which took place over the weekend, saw several homes torched, and a Grade Seven pupil severely injured after being ambushed while grazing cattle.
The conflict, which centres on disputes over pasture and water between local crop farmers and pastoralist herders, has claimed five lives from both communities since last week. Many residents, feeling abandoned, have accused the local police of inaction.
Pastor Jeremiah Mwanzia of the Full Gospel Church at Mandongoi criticised the police, particularly Kyuso Sub-County Police Commander Edwin Otieno, for failing to pursue the attackers, stating that officers only arrived after the killings to collect bodies.
“People are being attacked and killed in their homes and police, led by Kyuso Sub-County Police Commander Edwin Otieno, only visit the scene, collect the bodies and leave without pursuing the attackers,” he said.
“The actions by police show unimaginable laxity in the face of killings by people forcefully entering and grazing camels in people’s farms. We appeal to President William Ruto to intervene and put an end to these hostilities,” the cleric added.
Pastor Mwanzia also questioned the camel herders’ claims to land ownership in Kitui County, calling for President William Ruto’s intervention to halt the violence.
Among those affected is Mrs Ngeleke Muinde, whose home and food supplies were burned to the ground. She recounted how her brother was killed in a similar attack last year, and despite government promises, peace has yet to be restored.
In a related development, Nguni ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jeremiah Mutua was arrested by officers from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on Sunday. He was accused of incitement and ethnic contempt after calling for the eviction of camel herders during public meetings.
Mutua’s arrest, which occurred during a church service, sparked protests from local residents and led to temporary road blockades. Despite efforts to contact senior county security officials for further comment, they remained unreachable.
Tensions remain high in the area as residents continue to call for increased security and an end to the ongoing violence.