Tension Escalates Along Tana River-Kitui South Border as Police Vehicle Attacked

Kitui South MP, Hon. Rachel Nyamai, Blames Tana River Leaders for Insecurity

Tensions have escalated along the Kitui South-Tana River border following a series of violent incidents, with local leaders calling for calm. On Thursday, September 26, 2024, a police vehicle was ambushed by armed individuals believed to be from the Orma community, further fueling unrest in the region.

The attack occurred as a team of police officers, led by Mutha Division Assistant County Commissioner and the Ikutha Sub-County Police Commander, were en route to Konakaliti Police Station to reinforce officers stationed there. The officers were traveling in two government vehicles, GKB 931W and GKB 512T, when one of the vehicles came under attack at Kalalani area. The attackers are reportedly occupying the Kalalani KWS Camp and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, at Konakaliti Police Station, a crowd of about 40 youths stormed the station around 4:00 PM, hurling stones at officers. Police responded by firing warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd. Following the disturbance, officers were temporarily withdrawn from the station as tensions remained high.

Kitui South MP, Hon. Rachel Nyamai, condemned the attacks, describing the situation as alarming. “It is unfortunate that armed police officers are being attacked. If law enforcement is not safe, what about the unarmed residents of Kitui South?” she questioned.

Nyamai also accused leaders from Tana River of escalating insecurity by allegedly ferrying young people into Kitui South’s game reserves and provoking unrest. She urged Tana River leaders to refrain from actions that could incite violence between the neighboring communities.

In response to the growing tension, Kitui County Commissioner has appealed to local residents to avoid entering the game reserve as the government plans to remove camels and restore peace. Authorities have vowed to address the situation and restore calm along the volatile border.

This incident highlights the ongoing land and resource disputes between the two counties, which have occasionally flared into violence, threatening the safety of residents and security personnel alike.