Malombe demands arrest of Kitui massacre culprits as victims buried

Tseikuru Deputy County Commissioner Anetta Mwangi, Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, Kitui Woman Representive Irene Kasalu, and Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu during the requiem mass at Tseikuru Primaru School ground on Saturday/Musembi Nzengu.

Caskets of the seven victims of the Kwa Kamari bandit attack at the joint requiem mas at Tseikuru Primary School Ground on Saturday/Musembi Nzengu.

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe speaking during the mass funeral service at Tseikuru primaru school ground on Saturday/Musembi Nzengu.

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe has called for the immediate arrest of bandits who killed seven residents of Kwa Kamari in Tseikuru, Mwingi North constituency 10 days ago.

The victims were killed in an attack where gunmen indiscriminately shot at residents at Kwa Kamari trading centre.

Malombe said the government has no excuse for failing to bring the perpetrators to justice.

He said some of the attackers are well known within the Kwa Kamari community.

“We are calling on security agencies to walk the talk and ensure they arrest the killers and bring them before the law,” Malombe said.

He spoke during the mass funeral service for the victims at Tseikuru primaru school ground on Saturday.

The governor said a coordinated effort involving the National Intelligence Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, National Government Administration Officers, county enforcement teams, and local informants could lead to the swift arrest of those responsible.

“It is said that the killers are well known. Kwa Kamari residents know their names. We demand that they be arrested and taken to court so justice can be served for the deliberate murder of our people,” Malombe said.

Gunmen believed to be part of camel herders who have moved into Kitui from neighbouring counties raided Kwa Kamari village in broad daylight and indiscriminately shot at people.

Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu lamented that previous killings linked to armed camel herders have often gone unpunished and unresolved.

“In the past, camel herders who have killed our people are never arrested and therefore go unpunished. This time round, we want to see those responsible for the Kwa Kamari killings arrested so justice can be served,” the lawmaker said.

She said lasting peace would only be achieved if justice is delivered. “Peace will come when we see the killers arrested. Peace goes hand in hand with justice,” she said.

The MP noted that some of the attackers have previously interacted and conducted business with locals.

“Kwa Kamari residents know their identities, their M-Pesa numbers, and even their ID card details. It is shocking that a week after the killings, no one has been arrested. This is not right,” Kasalu said.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who hails from Tseikuru, addressed mourners via phone from Homa Bay where he had an engagement. He urged residents to refrain from retaliatory attacks.

Kalonzo called for dialogue and negotiations to ensure that families of the victims are compensated and that the education of children orphaned by the attack is supported.

He also pledged that if elected President in the next general election, he would end the attacks.

“Change is coming. After the 2027 elections, the bandits will never again terorise you.The menace will be a thing of the past,” Kalonzo said.

Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu said the incident should not be framed as an ethnic conflict.

“It is wrong to portray this as inter-ethnic clashes between the Kamba and Somali communities. Nothing could be further from the truth. Those behind these acts are criminals and should be treated as such,” Nzengu said.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible for the killings.

After the mass funeral service, the seven victims were transported to their respective homes, where they were laid to rest.

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