Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti has called on the national government to urgently restore security in Tseikuru, Mwingi North, Kitui County, following a wave of deadly clashes that have left several people dead and displaced families.
Speaking during the launch of a KSh120 million county bursary programme in Kathiani, Wavinya urged security agencies to act swiftly to contain the situation and protect affected communities. She appealed to the National Police Service and the Ministry of Interior to take decisive action to prevent further loss of life and destruction of property.
Deadly clashes leave trail of destruction
The recent violence in Tseikuru has claimed at least seven lives, according to local reports, while several homes and businesses have been destroyed. Families have been forced to flee, disrupting livelihoods and transport in the region.
Residents in parts of Mwingi North continue to live in fear as tensions remain high, with growing calls for immediate and lasting intervention. The clashes are linked to long-standing disputes over grazing land and water resources, a recurring challenge in arid and semi-arid areas.
Wavinya expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the violence, warning that displacement and destruction could have lasting consequences on the local economy and social stability.
Call for dialogue and unity
The governor appealed to Somali and Kamba communities to embrace peaceful coexistence and avoid retaliatory actions. She emphasized that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than violence.
She said peace and unity are critical for development, noting that conflict undermines progress and disrupts livelihoods.
As chair of the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc, Wavinya also called on regional leaders to work together in finding sustainable solutions. She cautioned against statements that could escalate tensions.
Anglican Church of Kenya Machakos Diocese Bishop Patrick Munuve echoed her remarks, urging leaders and communities to address the root causes of the conflict through constructive engagement.
Focus on education amid crisis
Despite the security concerns, Wavinya highlighted ongoing development efforts in Machakos County, particularly in the education sector. She said the county bursary fund has increased from KSh80 million during her first year in office to the current KSh120 million.
Plans are underway to raise the allocation further to KSh160 million in the next financial year to support more students from vulnerable backgrounds.
The governor also cited key initiatives, including the rollout of feeding and milk programmes in Early Childhood Development Education centres, provision of learning materials, and continued recruitment and support for teachers.
She said the programmes are aimed at improving access to quality education and strengthening community development.
Growing demand for lasting solutions
Residents in Mwingi North continue to call for a permanent solution to the recurring conflicts. Community leaders and stakeholders have emphasized the need for long-term strategies, including better resource management and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Pressure is mounting on the government to act swiftly as fear and uncertainty persist in the affected areas. Leaders across the region are urging calm, stressing that peace remains the only viable path to stability and development.
