In the silent rolling hills of Kitui County, lies a beautiful landscape; a blend of natural beauty, rocky outcrops, and vast expanses of savannah grassland consisting of drought resistant crops such as bamboo. Its terrain is a mix of arid and semi-arid climates, reflecting the challenges its inhabitants face, harsh realities! A reality that leaves no stone unturned, from the school-going children to the innocent camels grazing on the wild beans better known as ‘nzu’ in the local dialect – Kamba.
Kyuso, Mandongoi Kitui, County in Kenya
The communal conflicts between the Akamba and the Somali herders date way back to the 1960s. Mary a resident, recalls as a young girl, times when they had to hide in the bushes from being attacked by the herders. Mary, now a mother and the voice in her community, has been banished for being a voice of reason, a traitor as many call her for calling out the impunities that have left her community members sleepless and homeless on many occasions.
Deputy Director PBR Mr. Liban Guyo and Kitui County Commissioner Mr. Kipchumba Rutto during the Community Baraza on 10th of September 2024 in Kyuso, Mandongoi Kitui County.
The escalating conflict between Kamba farmers and Somali herders in Kitui County demands urgent attention from both the County and National Governments. This crisis is rooted in fierce competition for dwindling resources—specifically grazing land and water—compounded by the relentless impact of recurring droughts. Recent reports from local residents indicate a troubling rise in violence and conflict, further jeopardizing the livelihoods of communities already struggling under severe climatic conditions. Immediate action is essential to address these challenges, promote sustainable resource management, and restore peace in the region. The time to act is now—let’s work together to secure a better future for all.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission which plays a critical role in promoting peace, unity, and dignity recently visited Kyuso, Mandongoi in Kitui County following a recent attack in the area that left six people dead according to DCI reports. On the 9th of September 2024, youth wielding machetes, bows and arrows barricaded the roads in protest to the arrest of their MCA Mr. Jeremiah Mutua who had been detained to allow investigation into the utterances posted on his Facebook account.
The conflicts not only displaced the Kamba families but have also disrupted the education of children, with 526 out of 546 pupils currently out of school in Katumba area. The County Commissioner Mr. Kipchumba Rutto together with his County Security team, accompanied the Commission to Kyuso, Mandongoi where they engaged with key stakeholders, local peace committees, and affected communities to develop and implement effective strategies for resolving the conflict and restoring stability in the region.
One of the local representatives, Philip who is a youth in Ngomeni ward, urged the County Commissioner and his team to ensure safety and the future of the youth in the area. The Commission will continue to tackle the underlying issues to increasing security, through dialogue within the community so as to decrease violence and encourage peaceful coexistence between the Kamba and Somali groups.
