Tensions high as Somali businesses looted in Mwingi

Tension remains high in Mwingi town, Kitui county after police clashed with residents who had barricaded the busy Mwingi–Garissa road.

The highway became the scene of running battles, with reports indicating that Somali-owned shops and businesses were broken into and looted, raising fresh fears of ethnic tensions and insecurity in the area. All Somali-owned businesses in Mwingi have reportedly closed amid fears of further attacks.

The unrest follows a longstanding and tense conflict between local farmers and nomadic pastoralists over resources. The conflict is part of a series of revenge attacks between the two neighbouring communities that began on March 29 after a Somali herdsman was killed near Mwingi Game Reserve, triggering retaliation attacks between Kamba farmers and Somali camel herders, which has claimed several lives on both sides.

On Tuesday, unidentified attackers targeted buses along the busy route, leaving several passengers injured. The attackers hurled stones at moving vehicles, shattering windshields and side windows. Passengers on board were heard screaming, with some reportedly injured by flying debris.

The attacks led to the suspension of bus services along the route—a critical transport and trade link between the North Eastern region and other parts of the country—making the disruption a significant concern for both passengers and traders.

Some bus operators plying the highway have suspended services or diverted to alternative routes as they assess the security situation. “We wish to inform our customers that, due to the prevailing security situation along the Mwingi–Garissa route, all scheduled departures for Wednesday have been postponed. This applies to all services from Nairobi to Garissa and from Garissa to Nairobi,” read a statement from Pacific Coach.

Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun Mohamed, who was among stranded passengers, said some buses had managed to cross safely on Wednesday under police protection. In remarks shared on social media, she urged calm and called on leaders to promote cohesion and coexistence.

Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri said authorities are committed to conducting thorough investigations into the attacks and bringing perpetrators to justice. “The Service takes great exception to such senseless and needless loss of life, which must be stopped immediately,” the National Police Service said in a statement, urging community leaders to promote peace and restraint as security operations continue.

Meanwhile, in Garissa’s Suuq Mugdi and Qorahey markets, vegetable prices have surged after public transport along the Garissa–Mwingi route was paralysed.

Traders reported reduced supplies of fresh produce as delivery vehicles failed to arrive, driving up the cost of essential food items across the town and surrounding areas.