Seven people were killed in a Saturday evening attack in Tseikuru, Kitui, between Kamba and Somali communities. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has deployed a high-powered security team led by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat to the area. Police condemned the attack and promised a full investigation.
Seven people, including one woman and six men, were killed in an attack on Saturday evening, April 25, 2026, at Kwa Kamari in Tseikuru, Kitui County. Attackers, pastoralists of Somali origin from Tana River County, stormed the village, opened fire on the victims, and killed them on the spot before fleeing to Mwingi Game Reserve in a Toyota Probox. Several houses were set ablaze, leaving many families without shelter.
In a statement on Sunday, April 26, the National Police Service confirmed that Inspector General Douglas Kanja ordered the deployment of the high-powered team, with Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat arriving on the ground that morning. “The Inspector General of the National Police Service (IG-NPS), Douglas Kanja, has already dispatched a high-powered security team led by Eliud Lagat, the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service (DIG-KPS), who is already on the ground this morning at Kwa Kamari, Tseikuru,” NPS stated.
Kanja condemned the attacks as senseless and needless loss of life, assuring a full investigation. Police called for calm and restraint from both communities and urged leaders to promote peace. “The NPS will take all necessary measures to combat this violence and calls for calm and restraint from both communities. Community leaders are also reminded to speak the language of peace and reconciliation,” the statement added.
The attack is part of retaliatory incidents between Kamba and Somali communities. On March 1, a 44-year-old Kamba herdsman was killed by Somali herdsmen near Mwingi Game Reserve. On March 30, Kamba community members attacked, killing at least four Somalis. Police have asked the public to provide information.
Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui confirmed the victim count, noting one man survived with gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment at Tseikuru Level IV Hospital.