A section of leaders from North Eastern Kenya called on the government to urgently intervene and restore calm following escalating clashes along the Kitui–Garissa border that have paralysed transport along the Mwingi–Garissa highway.
They condemned the violence, warning against its ethnic undertones and urging affected communities to reject any attempts to foment division, fear and instability.
“The preservation of peace, unity and social harmony remains a collective and non-negotiable responsibility. In this regard, we call on all security agencies to act with urgency, firmness and absolute impartiality to restore law and order,” said Aldas MP Adan Keynan.
“Investigations should be carried out followed by swift apprehension and prosecution of all individuals responsible for instigating, orchestrating or participating in these acts of violence without fear, favour or bias or regard to any social standing.”
This is even as the Mwingi–Garissa highway remained impassable for the third consecutive day, leaving dozens of passengers stranded at bus termini in Nairobi and Garissa after operators suspended services citing security concerns.
Leaders from the affected regions have also appealed for restraint, even as efforts to de-escalate the situation continue.
“We unequivocally and in all possible terms condemn these acts of violence, particularly those fueled by ethnicity, incitement and lawlessness. Such actions strain the very foundation of peaceful coexistence that communities in this region have for a very long time endured to build and sustain,” Keynan noted.
“We call upon all communities within the affected areas to exercise the highest degree of restraint, desist from any retaliatory action and embrace dialogue and lawful mechanisms.”
A high-level meeting between the governors of Kitui and Garissa counties was convened on Thursday afternoon in a bid to find a lasting solution to the conflict.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has also called for an immediate end to the violence, urging local political leaders to take an active role in promoting peace and cohesion within their communities.
He further called on security agencies to act swiftly in apprehending those behind the recent killings, stressing that those responsible must be brought to justice without delay.
Elsewhere, leaders from Kitui and Garissa counties on Thursday held a joint public engagement at Nguni Market in a bid to address the escalating insecurity.
The meeting, led by Kitui Governor Julius Malombe and his Garissa counterpart Nathif Jama, brought together security agencies, residents, clergy and community leaders as efforts to restore calm intensified.
The engagement comes amid ongoing tensions that have disrupted transport and daily life, with recent attacks in the area leaving at least seven people dead.
Jama condemned the killings and called for swift action against those responsible.
“As Northern leaders, we came here to offer condolences to the families who lost seven people; it is very sad. We also condemn those inhuman acts. If you go to Garissa, Kambas are everywhere, and they are our people. They are the largest non-Somali people in Garissa,” he said.
He questioned the delay in arrests, urging security agencies to act decisively.
“Why are the security people not yet arresting the perpetrators? It has been more than one week. To the security officers, please do your job and arrest those culpable; the delay is what is causing disquiet between the communities,” Jama added.
Malombe emphasised the need for long-term solutions to recurring insecurity in the region.
“We need a long-lasting solution to this issue of insecurity which has been here since the 60s. So far, five police stations have been completed and the national government will equip all police stations with police officers by next week,” he said.
Malombe also called for unity between the neighbouring communities, noting their long-standing coexistence.
“The people of Garissa are our neighbours for many years and our people live there and their people live here, and so we want all of us to live in peace. If something bad happens in this area, it is upon us to sit together and solve our issues in unity. So let us continue to preach peace,” he said.
He further noted that directives had already been issued to fast-track security infrastructure in the region.
“You also heard the President during Mashujaa Day direct the Regional Commissioner to ensure the police stations are completed and equipped to ensure security in the area. In Kamario and Tseikuru, by next week they will be operational,” Malombe added.
Also present were Garissa County Assembly Majority Leader Abdi Farah and a representative of the Kamba community in Garissa, Ngui Mutuvya.
The meeting is part of ongoing efforts by leaders and security agencies to de-escalate tensions following recent clashes that have paralysed transport along the Mwingi–Garissa highway and heightened fears among residents.
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