By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
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Kenya, 30 April 2026 - Leaders have moved in to restore peace after days of protests and destruction in Mwingi after retaliation attacks claimed lives between neighbouring communities.
Mwingi MP Gideon Mulyungi visited the hard hit area of Ukasi saying they have agreed with locals to stop the violent protests and immediately open the Garissa-Nairobi highway.
The lawmaker said they have also given the authority one week ultimatum to investigate and arrest culprit who killed locals including a child.
Initially addressing angry locals the MP said they will ask the residents to close the highway if the police would not arrest herders suspected to have killed residents.
For the last two days residents of Mwingi and Nguuni have been protesting over retaliation attacks that left seven people dead, earlier herders had been attacked with at least five people killed with spears.
The violent protest results in destruction and looting of Somali own businesses in restive Mwingi town with residents demanding justice and speedy investigation into allege killings.
Local bus companies have suspended their daily trips fearing attacks after they were pelted with stones at Nguuni and Mwingi, they were given police escort to their destination.
Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerow said Garissa and Mwingi communities are close neighbours who share huge economic relationships, especially livestock trade.
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“We must condemn inciteful remarks by leaders on both sides, criminals who kill innocent Kenyans and destroy their livelihoods on both sides should be pursued and brought to justice by our security agencies with haste,” he posted on his X account.
The former lawmaker said taking the law into one's own hands by either side will only escalate violence adding that both communities need each other and leaders on both sides should engage to deescalate the situation.
In a statement, the national Police service said it has deployed a specialized team including the General Service Unit (GSU) and Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) to escort vehicles along the Mwingi Garissa road to enhance safety and security for businesses, travelers and the general public.
“Investigative and intelligence teams are currently following crucial leads to track down the perpetrators, we are closing in on these suspects with the objective of apprehending them,” said the statement by Muchiri Nyaga, the spokesperson of the national police service.
“We urge the people of Tseikuru, Ukasi and surrounding areas to remain calm and go about their business and not engage in speculation or actions that could escalate tensions,” said Nyaga in his statement.