INSECURITY IN MWINGI
By Rose Mwangangi
Kitui Senator Enock Kiio Wambua has given a 4-day ultimatum to camel herders to remove their livestock from farms across the county.
The ultimatum signals a decisive stand against the persistent and often bloody friction between Akamba farmers and migrant pastoralists.
The Senator issued this stern directive while addressing mourners at Kathungu in Ukasi, Nguni Ward, during the emotional burial of a 14-year-old boy- James Joseph M. Mutemi-was a grade 5 pupil in Kathungu Comprehensive primary School- who was mutilated by camel herders.
Kiio, accompanied by Kitui Speaker Kevin Kinengo and local leaders joined the family of the slain boy during his burial.
Amid grief, pain, and growing calls for justice following his brutal killing, the leaders struck an uncompromising stance, insisting that the departure of the herders and their camels was the first step to the restoration of peace.
Kiio said Kitui people have no quarrel with Somali businessmen in Kitui,Makueni and Machakos, noting that the Akamba also trade in Garissa,Mandera,Wajir and other Somali inhabited areas. ” But for peace to prevail, the camels,their owners and herders must exit Kitui” he said categorically.
Speaker Kinengo announced that the Kitui County Assembly had suspended its sitting for the day to honour the slain boy on the day of his burial.”That is why we are here today to underscore the seriousness we attach to this matter”, he added.
Area MCA was also warned a local family by name against selling family land to the herders.” We will begin our protests in your homes for you to understand what we mean”, said MCA for Nguni ward Jeremiah Mutua.
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