By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
May 01, 2026 - Resource-based conflicts pitting farmers in Kitui against pastoralists from Garissa nearly turned violent, with unrest reported in Mwingi.
Retaliatory attacks between Kamba and Somali communities almost spiralled out of control, leading to the closure of the Garissa–Nairobi highway, alongside reports of destruction of buses and looting of businesses in Mwingi.
According to Mohamed Adan Shiidow, a resident of Boka where the camel owners come from, the situation could have been avoided if the local administration, including the police, had acted swiftly on the initial incidents.
He claimed the conflict began when one of the sick camels left behind was slaughtered by members of a neighbouring community, and efforts to follow up were futile.
“After this, there were a series of incidents that led to the killing of four members of the Somali community and the retaliation that resulted in the deaths of seven members of the Kamba community. All this would have been avoided if dialogue had been prioritised,” he said on Friday.
He added that pastoralists had informed local administration and the police, but no solutions were found, leading communities to take the law into their own hands.
“As Somalis, the Kamba community are our neighbours. Sometimes small conflicts occur, but they shouldn’t result in loss of lives. We need to find a way to solve our issues peacefully,” he added.
Camel owners also decried what they termed neglect by both county and national governments, noting that they are administratively linked to Tana River County, which many feel does not adequately represent their interests.
The herders further complained of shrinking grazing areas, with a nearby national park frequently issuing warnings over stray animals.
As local leaders camped in Nguuni and parts of Mwingi to preach peace, Garissa-based activists called on both county and national governments to address the root causes of the conflict.
Abdifatah Sirat said the government has failed to provide basic necessities such as water, which has contributed to recurring tensions between neighbouring communities.
“If the government had provided basic necessities, such conflicts would not have occurred. We are demanding the establishment of police posts and enhanced security to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
Speaking in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said peace is costly and urged political leaders to unite in promoting harmony among affected communities.
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“Every community lives across this country; there is no zoning. Security agencies must ensure that criminals and bandits responsible for killings are apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.
The former Majority Leader added that residents in both counties must recognise that while one can choose friends, neighbours are not chosen.
Nominated Member of Parliament Umulkheir Harun, who was caught up in the unrest, emphasised the importance of peace, noting that the highway closure severely affected essential services, including patients seeking medical referrals.
“I urge young people to use social media responsibly, remain calm, and continue living peacefully with other communities,” she said.
The ODM lawmaker also commended efforts by Garissa Governor Nathif Jama and his Kitui counterpart for initiating peace meetings, adding that Kenya cannot afford destructive communal conflicts.
“We are also urging pastoralists to ensure their livestock do not stray into farms. Just as they value their animals, farmers equally value their land,” she added.
Garissa gubernatorial aspirant Mohamed Shidiye also called for calm, urging authorities to swiftly investigate those behind the killings.
The former Lagdera MP appealed to both communities to allow investigative agencies to carry out their work and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
He noted that a few rogue individuals should not define relations between the two communities, emphasising their long-standing interdependence.
“We have lived together for years. Many of the most prestigious houses in Garissa have been built by engineers from the Kamba community, and many Garissa residents run businesses in Kitui. We must not allow a few individuals to disrupt this coexistence,” he said.
“We have seen the consequences of conflict. No one benefits from unrest and violence. Communities must unite and ensure that criminals among them are identified and dealt with,” he added.