Kitui Governor Julius Malombe has strongly condemned the deadly bandit attack in Kwa Kamari, Tseikuru Ward, that left seven people dead and several others injured, terming the incident “heinous and unacceptable.”
Speaking to the press on Monday evening, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the April 25 attack in Mulangoni Village, Mwingi North Sub-County, and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
“It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that I address you following the tragic attack… We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the seven innocent lives lost,” said Malombe.
The governor also wished a quick recovery to survivors receiving treatment at Mwingi Level IV Hospital and assured affected families of the county’s support.
Preliminary reports indicate that heavily armed militia, suspected to be of Somali origin, raided Kwa Kamari trading centre in broad daylight, killing residents and destroying property, including shops, a petrol station and a motorbike. The attackers also fired at Kwa Kamari Police Station, damaging part of the facility.
Malombe linked the violence to earlier tensions between farmers and herders reported in March, noting that such conflicts continue to pose a serious security threat in the region.
He called on the national government to take immediate responsibility for restoring security, urging security agencies to apprehend those behind the attack and enhance deployment in volatile areas along the Kitui–Tana River border.
“Security remains a function of the national government. We urge the relevant agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
The governor further pressed for the urgent operationalization of Kwa Kamari Police Station, revealing that the county government had already constructed the facility, along with seven others in border areas, but they are yet to be fully staffed and equipped.
At the same time, Malombe called for a coordinated operation involving the National Police Service, General Service Unit, Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service to evict illegal herders and criminal elements from Mwingi National Reserve.
Following the attack, the county government deployed medical and emergency teams to assist the injured and provide psychosocial support to affected families, with plans underway to extend further humanitarian assistance.
The governor urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities. He also pledged to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives in collaboration with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission and other stakeholders.
Malombe called for urgency and accountability from all agencies involved in addressing insecurity in the region, warning that the safety of residents must not be compromised.
“Going forward, the safety and security of our people must be assured and should never be compromised,” he said.
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