Kitui County Governor H.E. Dr. Julius Malombe and Garissa County Governor H.E. Nathif Jama on Thursday, April 30, 2026, held a joint peace meeting at Nguni Market in Mwingi Central Constituency following recent inter-ethnic clashes between members of the Kamba and Somali communities.

The high-level meeting came in the wake of violent attacks reported in Kwa Kamari, Tseikuru and Nguni areas that left at least 8 people dead, including a 14-year-old boy. Several other people were injured during the unrest, while businesses were looted, motorists attacked and transport along the busy Mwingi–Garissa road temporarily paralysed.

Addressing residents during the peace forum held at Nguni market, the two governors expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction caused by the clashes. They conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a quick recovery.

The leaders called on residents to remain calm and exercise restraint as security agencies continue with investigations and restoration of peace in the affected areas.

During the meeting, leaders from both counties, together with security officials and community representatives, resolved to take immediate measures aimed at ending the conflict and preventing future violence.

Among the resolutions reached was the immediate cessation of hostilities and full cooperation with security agencies to ensure those behind the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.

The meeting also agreed on the creation of a database for camel herders and pastoralists entering the region in a move aimed at improving accountability during disputes and easing identification of individuals operating in the area.

To address long-standing tensions between herders and farmers, the leaders resolved to establish structured engagement between pastoralist leaders and farming communities to facilitate orderly livestock movement and peaceful coexistence.

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The governors further announced plans to enforce clear grazing frameworks and regulated livestock corridors to curb unlawful entry into farms and settlements, which has been cited as one of the major causes of conflict.

On matters of security, Kitui and Garissa counties committed to strengthening inter-county coordination, including intelligence sharing, to enable early detection and response to emerging threats.

The two governors donated Ksh. 100,000 each to the mother of the late 14-year-old boy James Mutemi and pledged to coordinate burial arrangements as well as provide further support to the family going forward.

Residents of Nguni who attended the forum also agreed to stop attacks on motorists and allow the resumption of normal transport activities along the Mwingi–Garissa road, which is a key transport corridor linking the two counties.

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Governor Malombe and Governor Nathif Jama urged political leaders, residents and all stakeholders to use existing peace and conflict resolution mechanisms instead of incitement or retaliatory attacks. They warned against inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions in the region.

The leaders reaffirmed their support for national security agencies and called for the deployment of more personnel to operationalise police stations in volatile areas, including Kwa Kamari, to enhance security and protect residents.

They also committed themselves to pursuing long-term solutions to recurring conflicts by addressing challenges such as climate pressure, competition over resources and unregulated livestock movement across county borders.

The peace meeting was attended by county officials, elected leaders and security teams from both Kitui and Garissa counties led by their respective County Commissioners, among other stakeholders.

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