Tension is rising in parts of Kitui County after Nguni Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jeremiah Mutua issued a strong warning over alleged invasion of farms by camel herders.
In a sharply worded statement, the MCA criticized remarks attributed to Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and condemned what he described as continued destruction of local farms by roaming camels. He emphasized that residents of Nguni Ward would no longer tolerate grazing on their land.
“You can own even a billion camels, and we have no issue with that. But graze them on your land, not on our farms,” Mutua said, reflecting growing frustration among locals.
The MCA further issued a one-week ultimatum to government security agencies to remove camels from Nguni Ward and the wider Kitui County. He warned that failure to act would prompt residents to take matters into their own hands to protect their livelihoods.
“Now it is time for action. If authorities fail, we will act to save our farms,” he added.
The statement comes amid heightened insecurity concerns in the region, with reports indicating that at least eight lives have been lost in recent incidents linked to grazing conflicts and suspected criminal activity.
Local leaders and residents have increasingly voiced anger over what they term as government inaction, accusing authorities of failing to address cross-county herder incursions and protect farming communities.
Security agencies are yet to respond publicly to the ultimatum, even as pressure mounts for swift intervention to prevent further escalation.
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