Garissa, Kitui Governors meet amid escalating security tensions

The meeting, led by Kitui Governor Julius Malombe and his Garissa counterpart Nathif Jama, brought together security agencies, residents, clergy and community leaders as efforts to restore calm intensified.

The engagement comes amid ongoing tensions that have disrupted transport and daily life, with recent attacks in the area leaving at least seven people dead.

Addressing residents, Governor Jama condemned the killings and called for swift action against those responsible.

“As Northern leaders, we came here to offer condolences to the families who lost seven people; it is very sad. We also condemn those inhuman acts. If you go to Garissa, Kambas are everywhere, and they are our people. They are the largest non-Somali people in Garissa,” he said.

He questioned the delay in arrests, urging security agencies to act decisively.

“Why are the security people not yet arresting the perpetrators? It has been more than one week. To the security officers, please do your job and arrest those culpable; the delay is what is causing disquiet between the communities,” Jama added.

On his part, Governor Malombe emphasised the need for long-term solutions to recurring insecurity in the region.

“We need a long-lasting solution to this issue of insecurity which has been here since the 60s. So far, five police stations have been completed and the national government will equip all police stations with police officers by next week,” he said.

Malombe also called for unity between the neighbouring communities, noting their long-standing coexistence.

“The people of Garissa are our neighbours for many years and our people live there and their people live here, and so we want all of us to live in peace. If something bad happens in this area, it is upon us to sit together and solve our issues in unity. So let us continue to preach peace,” he said.

He further noted that directives had already been issued to fast-track security infrastructure in the region.

“You also heard the President during Mashujaa Day direct the Regional Commissioner to ensure the police stations are completed and equipped to ensure security in the area. In Kamario and Tseikuru, by next week they will be operational,” Malombe added.

Also present were Garissa County Assembly Majority Leader Abdi Farah and a representative of the Kamba community in Garissa, Ngui Mutuvya.