Kitui Deputy Governor Leads Public Participation for New Police Station at Kitui-Tana River Border

Tseikuru Ward, August 2, 2024 – In a significant move to bolster security and improve community relations, Kitui Deputy Governor HE Wambua Kanani led the Tseikuru Subcounty Security and Intelligence Committee in a public participation exercise aimed at determining the location for a new police station. This initiative is part of Dr. Malombe’s commitment to enhance safety along the volatile Kitui-Tana River border.

The proposed police station is one of eight fully equipped facilities planned to address security challenges and promote harmonious coexistence between the Kamba and Somali communities, particularly in the context of the region’s prominent goat trade. Currently, disputes are often resolved through informal kangaroo courts, which have left the Kamba community vulnerable to camel herders, with a stark imbalance in the perceived value of human and camel lives.

Deputy Governor Kanani emphasized the need for lawful conflict resolution mechanisms, stating, “To prevent reiteration from the Kamba side, conflict resolution mechanisms have to be within the supreme law of our country. Therefore, we need a police station, involve National Police Reservists, demarcate protected areas like the parks and reserves to deter human activities, construct feeder roads and cutlines to enhance police patrols, among other installations.”

Three potential sites have been identified for the new police station: Katumbini, Kavou, and Kamari. The establishment of this station follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in March between Dr. Julius Malombe, the county government, and the National Police Service, aiming for lasting peace and protection along the 350-kilometer Kitui-Tana River border.

Notable attendees at the public participation exercise included area MCA Mr. Daniel Muange, CECM for Water and Irrigation Mr. Nkunda, Chief Officer in charge of decentralized units Mr. Kitonga Salee, Tseikuru DCC Ms. Anita Mwangi, Administration Police SI Benedict Musembi, SCPC Joakim Mecha, KWS William Tanui, and NIS representative Toma Salasya.

This initiative underscores the Kitui County government’s commitment to ensuring security and fostering community cohesion.

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