Senator Wambua Blames State Failure As Residents Protest Insecurity In Kitui
News Updated: 14 May 2026 14:05 EAT
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua
Residents of Kathungu in Kitui County are calling for urgent government intervention following the killing of a 14-year-old boy in an attack linked to suspected camel herders operating in farming areas.
The incident has reignited long-standing tensions between farmers and pastoralist groups over access to land and grazing routes in parts of eastern Kenya.
Local leaders and residents say the presence of camels in settled areas has worsened insecurity and increased the risk of violent confrontations.
During a tense public address at a burial-related gathering, leaders sharply criticized the government over what they termed failure to protect residents.
“If a government is either unwilling or unable to protect its people, one thing happens, it loses the moral and legal authority to rule or govern those people,” one leader said.
The leader directly criticized the national administration, adding, “Kwa hiyo bwana Ruto wewe kama sasa serikali yako imeshindwa kuprotect the interest and property of the people of Ngune and the people of Kitui basi wewe Ruto you will lose the moral and legal authority to preside or even govern these people.”
Residents also blamed the presence of camels in populated areas, saying it has become a major security concern.
“Kuwa na ngamia katikati ya watu hiyo ni insecurity by itself,” one speaker said, emphasizing that the animals should not be allowed in farming settlements.
Community members further argued that the attack on the boy could have been avoided if camels were not present in the area.
“Wenye aliwa huyo kijana alikuwa analisha ngamia. Kama ngamia haikukuwa hapa huyu kijana hangeuliwa,” a resident claimed during the gathering.
The speakers insisted that the incident was directly linked to camel grazing activities within human settlements.
“Hata huyo kemel angekuwa anatembea kwa mguu pekee yake hangeua. But he killed someone because he was gracing camels on our land,” another statement added.
The community further demanded removal of camels from the region, saying it is the only way to restore safety and order.
“The camels must move out of our land. Wananchi ndio serikali ama nyinyi sio wa serikali?” one leader posed, questioning government responsibility.
Leaders also raised concerns about land designated as government-controlled conservation areas, alleging weak enforcement of regulations.
“Kama serikali imeshindwa maanake msitu huu ambao ni game reserve ya East Kitui, game reserve ya Mwinge Game Reserve na Meri ndio landi ya serikali…” one speaker said.
They argued that despite official gazettement of such areas, enforcement has been inconsistent, allowing unauthorized grazing to continue.
“…lakini unashangaa ile hali ambayo serikali imesema na imegazeti kwamba hiyo ni lande ya serikali majang wanapewa nafasi ya kuishi huko,” the statement added.
The remarks reflect growing frustration among residents who say insecurity linked to resource conflicts has not been adequately addressed by authorities.
Local leaders have called for immediate security action, warning that continued delays could escalate tensions further in the region.
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FELIX MAKONA
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