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Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka has raised concerns over the continued incursion of armed camel herders from northern Kenya into Kitui County, warning that the situation is escalating into a “ticking time bomb.”
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He said the invasions have sparked violent clashes and widespread destruction of property.
“These people illegally occupying Kitui land are wreaking havoc on our communities. While it is unlawful for residents to take the law into their own hands, if the government fails to act, they may be left with no choice but to defend themselves,” Musyoka cautioned.
The UDA national organising secretary further warned that inaction by security agencies could push locals into retaliation.
“What happens if villagers, tormented by about 800 herders, decide to fight back? The consequences could be disastrous. Security organs must intervene immediately,” he said.
Musyoka made the remarks on Wednesday in Kitui West during a government programme that raised over Sh2 million to empower boda boda riders, including President William Ruto’s Sh1.5 million contribution to support the purchase of 100 electric motorcycles.
His concerns echo similar warnings by Kitui South MP Rachel Nyamai, who said her constituency has seen a surge in attacks, with camel herders allegedly torching 20 homes within a week.
“We cannot allow our people to continue being slaughtered. The government must urgently conduct an operation to flush out these criminals, just as it did in 2016 when peace was restored,” Nyamai said.
She lamented the loss of lives in recent weeks, citing the killing of two youths, a teacher who died after a brutal attack, and a pastor murdered shortly after. Nyamai accused some police officers of being compromised and called for their transfer, along with the deployment of fresh security personnel.
Musyoka said he has raised the matter with President Ruto and plans to push for a direct meeting to address the crisis.
“I’ve already texted the President on this issue. We will seek an appointment to deliberate on the matter, as it has the potential to fuel division and worsen insecurity,” he noted.
The presence of camel herders in the Kitui South Game Reserve has long been a flashpoint, with previous government crackdowns restoring only temporary calm. The latest flare-ups suggest the conflict is resurfacing and could spiral out of control if urgent action is not taken.
