Seven people have been reportedly killed after a deadly night attack in Kitui County.
The attack took place in Kwa Kamari, Tseikuru Ward, Mwingi North Constituency.
Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui confirmed the attack, with police report revealing that armed assailants who are believed to be of Somali herder stormed the village and opened fire on residents, killing six men and one woman.
Kitui Senator Enoch Kiio Wambua has condemned the killings, describing them as part of a long-running insecurity problem affecting local communities.
The senator has also questioned the government of not taking action in the area which is prone to banditry attacks
According to the National Police Service (NPS) statement, the attack occurred on 25th April 2026 and is part of a series of retaliatory incidents involving two communities in the area.
Police Link Violence to Retaliatory Cycle
In its statement, NPS noted a sequence of incidents beginning with the killing of a herdsman earlier in March, followed by retaliatory killings, and culminating in the latest attack.
“On 29th March 2026, a 44-year-old Kamba herdsman was killed near Mwingi Game Reserve. The following day, 30th March 2026, a suspected retaliatory attack left four members of the Somali community dead. Yesterday, 25th April 2026, an attack on Kwa Kamari area left seven people dead-all believed to be from the Kamba community,” the NPS stated.
The service confirmed that reinforcements have been dispatched to the area, with a high-level security team led by Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat already on the ground in Kwa Kamari.
Government Calls for Calm as Investigations Intensify
The police have urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions as investigations continue into the killings.
Authorities warned that continued cycles of revenge attacks risk worsening the security situation in the region.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has directed that investigations be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks and ensure accountability for those involved.
Senator Blames Security Lapses and Calls Out Interior Ministry
The attack has sparked concerns over persistent violence in the region, with residents reporting repeated incidents involving armed groups suspected to be operating across parts of Kitui County.
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The Senator directly criticized the government’s handling of insecurity in the region, questioning the effectiveness of security operations in addressing recurring attacks.
Wambua has accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of failing to act decisively against armed groups operating in the region.
The senator also revealed that attacks have continued in Tseikuru Ward over time, citing a recent incident where a young man was killed under similar circumstances.
According to Wambua, the pattern of violence has left residents living in fear, with little intervention from security agencies.
“These attacks have happened for far too long with no action against the bandits. I condemn the latest attacks and put the Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen on the spot for failure to reign in on these maraunding bandits masquarading as camel herders. A few weeks ago, a young man was brutally murdered by bandits in the same ward, Tseikuru. How many more of our people must die in the hands of bandits before CS Murkomen takes decisive action? And what does CS Murkomen expect our people to do as the bandits continue to attack, maim and kill with abandon?,” added Wambua.
Rising Concerns Over Repeated Violence in Kitui
Wambua raised concerns that the attacks are taking place within Kitui County territory, describing the situation as unacceptable for affected communities, who continue to suffer repeated losses.
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The Senator called for urgent action to restore safety in the region, warning that continued delays in addressing the insecurity could worsen the situation for residents.
He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims, saying the tragedy had left the community in mourning.
It must not be lost on anyone that these attacks are happening on land belonging to Kitui County. Why and for how long should our people continue to suffer in the hands of invading bandits? For how long? To the families of the victims of the latest attack, I pass my heartfelt condolences. May the Lord our God strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time.
