The County Assembly of Kitui today resumed sittings, with the Hon. Speaker Hon. Kevin Kinengo Katisya issuing a formal communication on the recent banditry attack in Kitui County.
The House was informed of a tragic incident that took place on Saturday, 25th April, 2026 in Kwa Kamari, Tseikuru Ward, Mwingi North Sub-County, where seven innocent lives were lost following an attack by suspected camel herders.
The Hon. Speaker strongly condemned the barbaric act and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
The Speaker called upon the national government under the leadership of H.E president Dr. William Ruto to ensure impartial investigations and have all perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted, enhance security presence at newly constructed Kwa Kamari police post, implement sustainable and lasting solutions to the recurring conflict including peace structured peace building initiatives among other measures to restore peace in Kitui County. Hon. Katisya also urged our communities to restrain from retaliatory violence which will escalate the situation rather than mitigate.
Hon. Members who contributed to the statement unanimously denounced the attack, terming it a grave threat to peace and security. The Assembly resolved to urge the National Government, particularly agencies responsible for national security, to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves, ensure swift investigations, and bring all perpetrators to justice.
Members further called for decisive action against incitement, citing recent remarks by Aden Duale, which were described as provocative and likely to undermine security efforts in the region.
The House also emphasized the urgent need to enhance security along Kitui’s border with Tana River County, noting that recurrent conflicts with camel herders have posed a persistent challenge to local communities.
The Assembly observed that the attack has led to significant loss of life, disruption of business activities, including the blocking of the Mwingi–Garissa highway, incidents of looting, and heightened fear among residents.
Hon. Members reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Kitui residents and called for sustained peace-building interventions to restore stability in the affected areas.
Pursuant to Standing Order No. 195(5) of the Kitui County Assembly, the Speaker directed the County Assembly Committee on Tourism and Natural Resources to undertake a comprehensive oversight exercise on the Mwingi North Game Reserve and the South Kitui Game Reserve, with a view to identifying, interrogating, and addressing any existing security threats, criminal hideouts, and illegal activities that may be facilitating banditry within these areas.
Further, he issued a directive to the Committee on Administration and Coordination of County Affairs to oversight all police stations constructed by the County Government of Kitui with a view of ascertaining their operational status, adequacy of staffing, and overall effectiveness in enhancing security within the affected regions.
Both Committees are hereby required to table their reports before this House as soon as practicable, together with actionable recommendations.
