Ikanga/Kyatune Ward MCA Hon. Cyrus Kisavi Musyoka, popularly known as Sonko, has declared a crackdown on illegal sand harvesting and trading within the ward, giving those involved 24 hours to clear sand piles around Ikanga Market.

In a message exclusively seen by Ukambani News Hub reporter on the ward’s official WhatsApp group, Hon. Sonko stated that he is fully aware of the ongoing illegal sand harvesting and commercial sale of sand within the ward and vowed to take decisive action to stop it.

Hon. Cyrus Sonko warned that he is ready to go to great lengths to ensure that the illegal business is stopped, adding that the practice has been taking place unlawfully and warned that those involved must immediately cease the activity or face further action. “We are soon stopping illegal sand business in Ikanga/Kyatune Ward. I’m ready to fight to my last breath to actualize this. So help me God,” he wrote.

The outspoken MCA further issued a 24-hour ultimatum to individuals involved in the trade to remove their sand heaps from around Ikanga Market, stating that he has concrete evidence that the sand is being harvested for commercial purposes rather than domestic use. “I’ve evidence on my fingertips. This has to stop ASAP. The perpetrators have 24 hours to clear their sand piles around the market area. Ikanga sio Mlolongo. Period,” he added.

Hon. Sonko’s declaration comes at a time when Kitui County is grappling with the rampant and unregulated harvesting of sand, a practice that has raised serious environmental concerns. The uncontrolled extraction of sand from seasonal rivers has been blamed for the degradation of river ecosystems and long-term environmental damage in the county.

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Local leaders including Kitui senator Enoch Kiio Wambua and environmental stakeholders have increasingly been calling for stricter enforcement of sand harvesting regulations to protect natural resources and ensure that the activity is conducted legally and in a sustainable manner.

The big question now remains whether Hon. Cyrus Sonko’s firm stance and intensified efforts to curb the illegal sand business and protect the environment in Ikanga/Kyatune Ward will succeed.

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