Kitui Senator and Deputy Minority Whip Hon. Enoch Kiio Wambua has called on security agencies in Nguni and Mwingi to strictly enforce the total ban on sand harvesting across all river basins in the Mwingi region, warning that continued defiance of a standing court order threatens both lives and the environment.

Speaking after visiting Mwania River, the scene of recent deadly clashes between suspected sand cartels and local residents, Senator Wambua condemned what he termed as open disregard of the law by individuals and authorities allegedly advancing the interests of powerful sand cartels. He insisted that the court order prohibiting sand harvesting remains in force and must be respected without exception.

The violent confrontation left one local resident dead and several others injured, sparking outrage and renewed calls for decisive government action.

READ ALSO: Senator Kiio Wambua Declares War on Kitui Sand Cartels

Senator Wambua urged residents to embrace peaceful resistance in opposing illegal sand harvesting, cautioning that violent confrontations only result in tragic loss of life. “We must protect our environment and our people, but we must do so peacefully. The law is clear, and security agencies must ensure it is enforced to prevent further bloodshed,” he said.

The Senator later visited the family of the late Joseph Mwendwa Maluki in Kaunguni Village, Waita Ward, who succumbed to multiple injuries sustained during the clashes. He described the deceased as a hero who sacrificed his life defending Kitui County’s natural resources from environmental destruction. “Joseph Mwendwa Maluki stood firm in defense of our rivers and our future. He is a hero, and his courage must never be forgotten. I urge security agencies to swiftly arrest and prosecute all those responsible for his brutal killing,” Senator Wambua said.

He further called on the Kitui County Government to honor the late Maluki with a befitting send-off in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.

In a move aimed at drawing national attention to the environmental crisis, Senator Wambua announced plans to push for a mini Senate Mashinani sitting in Kitui County, preferably at Mwania River, to expose the extent of destruction caused by illegal sand harvesting. “This issue must be brought to the national stage. We want the Senate to witness firsthand the destruction happening in Kitui so that urgent and lasting solutions can be implemented,” he stated.

The Senator also revealed that he would seek an urgent audience with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to discuss the recent violence and demand accountability from security officers accused of failing to enforce the law.

Addressing hundreds of residents at Kaunguni Market, Senator Wambua expressed concern over allegations linking local administrators to sand cartels. Residents called for the immediate transfer or dismissal of the Waita Location Chief over alleged collaboration with illegal sand harvesters.

READ ALSO: Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui Announces Tight Security Crackdown on Sand Harvesting

County NEMA officials also came under sharp criticism, with the Senator calling for their dismissal over what he termed as incompetence and gross misconduct in protecting the environment.

Illegal sand harvesting has long been a contentious issue in Kitui County, with residents warning that continued exploitation of riverbeds is causing severe environmental degradation, water shortages, and insecurity.

Senator Wambua reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Kitui’s natural resources and ensuring justice for the slain resident, vowing that those behind illegal sand harvesting and the recent violence will be held accountable.

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