Unrest continues to spread in Mwingi town, Kitui County, following the murder of a 14-year-old boy in Ukasi. Residents have held protests, halting transport and business along the Mwingi–Garissa highway. Police have arrested protesters and bolstered security.
From Tuesday to Wednesday, transport and business activities halted along the Mwingi–Garissa main highway. Protests were sparked by the murder of a 14-year-old boy on Tuesday in Ukasi, a border area between Kitui and Tana River counties. Residents described the incident as brutal, following seven other killings in Kwa Kamari, Tseikuru, the previous Saturday.
Sections of the road were blocked with barriers in Ukasi, Nguni, and Mwingi, while many businesses closed and shops were looted. The clashes stem from long-standing tensions between Kitui farmers and herders from Tana River and Garissa over grazing and resources.
Mwingi businesswoman Christine Mueni said, “We want the government to listen through these protests. We hope for a lasting solution so we don't lose more lives.” Resident Haron Munalia added, “Both communities lose. Herders bring livestock here for the market, but now everything has stopped.”
The National Police Service acknowledged criminal attacks in Tseikuru and Ukasi. Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said special forces were deployed to escort vehicles and enhance security. “These suspects do not represent any community. They are enemies of peace,” he stated. MP Gideon Mulyungi confirmed the boy was beheaded.
Kitui Governor Julius Malombe and Garissa Governor Nathif Jama were expected to meet yesterday to discuss security.
