Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo has expressed strong condemnation over the arrest of Hon. Jeremiah Mutua, the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Nguni Ward in Mwingi Central Constituency.
Mutua’s apprehension by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has ignited a wave of controversy amid ongoing violent clashes along the boundary between Kitui and Tana River.
These clashes, exacerbated by prolonged drought conditions, have resulted in significant loss of life and property, with hundreds of residents fleeing their homes. Local farmers and camel herders have been in conflict over land and pasture, leading to heightened tensions.
The Kamba community in Kitui has accused Somali herders from Tana River of forcefully grazing their livestock on their farms, prompting retaliatory attacks that have further destabilized the region.
In a statement released this morning, Kinengo called the arrest “unprocedural and unlawful,” emphasizing that the County Assembly had not been notified of any warrant or summoning related to Mutua’s case.
He highlighted that the MCA had already complied with a prior summons from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) last week, during which he was reportedly instructed to wait for further communication.
“Hon. Jeremiah is an elected leader and deserves the respect that comes with his position as he advocates for the security and rights of his constituents,” Kinengo stated, denouncing not only the arrest but also the tragic attacks affecting local communities amid escalating tensions along the border.
Kinengo pledged that the leadership of Kitui would stand firm in their efforts to ensure community safety and protect their rights, regardless of external pressures or intimidation.
The Speaker further asked NCIC to drop all charges against him. Kinengo warned that if this harassment continues, Kitui leaders would be compelled to take legal action against the NCIC and any other government entities perceived to be undermining the authority of elected representatives.
