Security officers accused of laxity in taming camel herders in Mwingi

Mwingi residents have accused security officers of laxity in taming the camel herders.

This is after two people were killed last week by suspected camel herders.

More than six people have lost lives and scores injured in parts of Mwingi North, Mwingi East, Kitui East and Kitui South.

The killings continue despite a directive by Eastern regional commissioner Evans Achoki for all camels to be driven away.

On Friday, security teams from Mwingi North and Mwingi Central converged to devise a solution to end the attacks.

The peace meeting was led by county commissioner Erastus Mbui.

Residents from Kathungu, Mwanzele and Ukasi in Mwingi Central decried the perennial invasion of camel herders for more than 40 years.

They said they spend cold nights in the bushes for fear of attack.

The residents also said they are unable to cultivate their farms as camels evicted from Kitui South and Mwingi North are herded in their farms.

They accused the security teams of being reluctant to solve the issue.

The residents said the National Police Reservists deployed in the area are sleeping on their job.

"The NPR officers have been of no help. Two people have been killed in a span of one week yet they are armed but do nothing," Mwaniki Mwendwa said.

He also alleged that once residents report the presence of camel herders in the locality, very little is done to evict them.

The commissioner however, urged residents to stop taking the law into their own hands.

He said the government is committed to ensuring peace returns.

Mbui's sentiments come in the wake of tensions following the killing of a camel herder, a day after two residents were brutally murdered.

He also said camel herders do not invade private land forcefully, but some residents lease their grazing land to them.

Kitui county commander Leah Kithei said the complaints about the reluctant officers are taken seriously and necessary actions will be taken.

She also pleaded with residents to keep promoting peace in the area.

Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi said the laxity of security officers has led to sabotage of the exercise to maintain peace amidst camel herders' intrusion.

He said the farmers' land is private thus, camel herders invading their privacy must be arrested and charged in a court of law.

The lawmaker also urged residents to be vigilant and ensure no strangers are within the area.

He said the two who were killed were not from within the locality but were said to be charcoal business operators.

"The people who are engaging in charcoal burning business in our forests might have clashed with the herders, leading to their death. This is posing a great fear to residents," Mulyungi said.

Nguni MCA Jeremiah Mutua urged the government to flatten Mwanzele camp, located a few kilometres from the Kitui-Tana River border.

He said the camp serves as a hideout for the herders.

Mutua said everyone's life is at stake, urging for immediate stern measures.

"Next time they might kill the MCA, no one knows. Let's all be on the lookout, especially the security team," he said.