Senator Kiio Wambua: I Will Not be Intimidated by Kitui Sand Cartels
Kitui County Senator Hon. Enoch Kiio Wambua has once again vowed to continue his fight against illegal harvesting and sale of sand from Kitui seasonal rivers, saying he will not be intimidated by powerful cartels involved in the trade despite growing pressure and threats.
The senator was speaking at his rural home in Kyondoni, Kabati, Kitui West Constituency, where he hosted more than 1,000 Sunday school children drawn from all 8 constituencies of Kitui County during his annual Christmas celebration on Friday December 26, 2025.
Senator Kiio called for collective action to stop what he described as rampant environmental destruction caused by illegal sand harvesting from seasonal rivers. He warned that continued exploitation poses a serious threat to future generations, including water scarcity and worsening drought conditions in the already arid and semi-arid county. “There are people destroying our rivers through illegal scooping and sale of sand using heavy lorries.” he said.
He called on residents and parents across the county to support efforts aimed at protecting the environment and safeguarding the future of children, noting that the sand trade has turned into what he described as an “environmental abuse.” “I urge our parents and everyone in Kitui County to support my efforts in protecting the future of our children. If all the sand is scooped, future generations will have nowhere to fetch water. Our riverbeds are drying up daily, and our county risks turning into a desert.”
This week on Tuesday December 22, 2025, Senator Kiio Wambua issued a strongly worded statement during a media briefing on the same issue dubbed “Stop These Sand Cartels Before They Stop All of Us,” where he accused powerful individuals of overseeing large-scale illegal sand harvesting while claiming to be untouchable. “I recently heard one of these cartels openly boast at a burial ceremony that he does ‘very bad business’ but cannot be touched,” Senator Kiio said. “I want to be clear that I will not relent until this destruction ends.”
YOU MISSED: Senator Kiio Wambua Declares War on Kitui Sand Cartels
Although he declined to name the individuals involved, Senator Kiio stated that he is ready to cut his political ties with anyone linked to the illegal sand trade if that is what it takes to protect Kitui residents. “When political correctness conflicts with the interests of the people of Kitui County, I will always stand with the people who elected me,” he emphasized.
Senator Kiio also raised concern over the increasing number of lorries ferrying sand out of the county, claiming that more than 50 trucks leave Kitui daily. He questioned who owns the vehicles and why the trade remains largely unregulated.
The event was also attended by Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze, who encouraged students preparing to join Grade 9 next year to remain focused on their studies. She pledged to reward all learners from Kitui West who score an “Exceeding Expectations” grade in the 2026 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
The senator’s remarks come amid growing public concern over environmental degradation caused by illegal sand harvesting in Kitui’s seasonal rivers.
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