The National Police Service (NPS) has responded swiftly after a deadly wave of violence in Tseikuru, Kitui County, where seven people were killed in what authorities believe to be retaliatory attacks involving the Somali pastoralist group and members of the Kamba community.
In an official statement released on Sunday, April 26, the NPS confirmed that Inspector General Douglas Kanja had already ordered the immediate deployment of a high-level security team to the affected area.
The operation is being led on the ground by Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat, who arrived early Sunday morning at Kwa Kamari in Tseikuru to coordinate security operations and restore order.
Additional reinforcement units have also been dispatched and are continuing to arrive in the troubled region to strengthen the response.
The police service strongly condemned the killings, describing them as senseless acts of violence that have led to unnecessary loss of life and deep suffering among local families.
Authorities assured residents that full investigations are underway to establish the circumstances behind the attacks and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
At the same time, the NPS urged residents to remain calm and exercise restraint, warning against further escalation.
Community leaders were also called upon to take an active role in promoting peace, dialogue, and reconciliation between the affected communities, even as security agencies intensify operations in the area.
“The NPS will take all necessary measures to combat this violence and calls for calm and restraint from both communities,” the statement emphasized, adding that leaders must “speak the language of peace and reconciliation as criminal culpability and ultimate justice are pursued.”
According to preliminary police reports, the violence is linked to a series of retaliatory attacks between the Somali pastoralists from Tana River County and members of the Kamba community. Authorities noted that the pattern of violence has been building over time, making the situation increasingly volatile and dangerous.
The most recent attack occurred on Saturday evening when armed assailants stormed Kwa Kamari village in Tseikuru. The attackers reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, killing seven people on the spot—six men and one woman—before fleeing the scene using a Toyota Probox vehicle.
They are believed to have escaped towards the nearby Mwingi Game Reserve. In addition to the killings, several homes were set on fire during the incident, leaving multiple families displaced and without shelter.
Police further explained that this latest incident is part of a chain of retaliatory violence. On March 1, a 44-year-old Kamba herdsman was reportedly killed near the Mwingi Game Reserve by suspected Somali herders.
This incident sparked anger and led to a retaliatory attack on March 30, during which members of the Kamba community are said to have killed at least four individuals from the Somali community.
The cycle of revenge attacks has since escalated, culminating in the latest incident that left seven people dead and several others injured, with dozens of residents now displaced from Kwa Kamari village in Tseikuru.
Security agencies are now appealing to the public to assist with any information that could help investigations. The NPS has encouraged anyone with relevant details about the attacks to report to the nearest police station, assuring full confidentiality and protection for informants.
The government has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace in the area, stressing that all necessary steps will be taken to end the cycle of violence and ensure lasting stability between the affected communities.
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