By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
April 29, 2026 - Protesters in Mwingi and Nguuni have closed the Garissa–Nairobi highway and engaged police in running battles, protesting the killing of seven people.
They lit bonfires on the main highway, completely paralysing transport, as they demanded justice for those killed in retaliatory attacks. There were also unverified reports that one more person lost their life during the violence.
Two weeks ago, pastoralists living near the border between Garissa and Kitui reported losing about five people in what they described as an ambush by unknown assailants.
In Nguuni, residents barricaded the highway with bonfires and large stones, prompting confrontations with police.
Hundreds of protesters poured into the town demanding answers, although there were no immediate official reports on the extent of damage caused.
Police were forced to lob teargas canisters to disperse the crowds.
There were also reports of looting and damage to businesses allegedly owned by members of the Somali community, with some establishments remaining closed over fears of being targeted.
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Images and videos shared online showed businesses being broken into and goods taken amid the unrest.
Mwingi hosts a significant number of Somali-owned businesses, including hotels, fuel stations, and retail shops.
Politicians from both Somali and Kamba communities have blamed the escalation, warning that the situation could spiral further if not contained.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has already arraigned a Garissa-based politician over a viral video that detectives say contained inciting content. She is currently detained at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi.