NCIC urges immediate end to Kitui-Tana River border conflict

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is calling for an immediate end to the violence along the Kitui-Tana River border.

The commission on Friday condemned the recent clashes between the Akamba and Somali communities, which have resulted in significant destruction.

The conflict in Mandongoi, Kyuso Sub-County, has led to loss of life, injuries, and theft of livestock between the Somali and Kamba communities.

NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia criticised the violence, noting that it undermines the long-standing stability in the area.

"This is unacceptable and poses a grave threat to the fragile peace that has been painstakingly achieved in the region," Kobia said in a statement on Friday.

The NCIC chair extended condolences to the affected families and urged residents of Kitui and Tana River counties to avoid actions that could worsen the situation.

He also called on leaders from both counties to recommit to resolving the conflict peacefully and to avoid inflammatory rhetoric.

"As a commission mandated to facilitate peace and cohesion in Kenya, we are deeply concerned by the reckless and inflammatory remarks made by certain politicians, exacerbating tensions resulting in this violent clash," Kobia added.

Promote peace

The NCIC commended political leaders who have promoted peace and encouraged their supporters to remain calm while security agencies address the issue.

Kobia confirmed that the NCIC, in collaboration with other government agencies, has begun investigating the matter and remains dedicated to facilitating peace dialogue to ensure long-term stability along the Kitui-Tana River border.

There has been loss of life and property along the Kitui and Tana River county boundary with hundreds of people fleeing their homes following perennial clashes between Kitui farmers and Tana herders over land and pasture.

In September 2023, at least 12 people were reported dead, and hundreds of families were displaced following a fresh border row along the Kitui and Tana River border.

The conflict erupted when a local primary school was demolished leading to counter-accusations from both sides, eventually boiling over into a full-blown conflict.

The clashes have also led to the destruction of properties, including a police station and a primary school, within the conflict zone, as feuding communities leave the area for fear of more attacks.

In June 2024 Members of Parliament from Tana River sought the intervention of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki over the matter and decried the recent security operation in Kuriti on the border of the two counties.

Garsen MP Ali Wario had questioned why the Kitui-Tana River boundary conflict was being handled with a security operation, which has made the situation worse without considering the input of local leaders.

"The issue of boundary is the work of IEBC but we have no commission. Unfortunately, police officers have become IEBC commissioners with the Eastern Regional Commissioner the chairman. We will not allow the boundary to be alerted," he added.