Transport resumes after Kitui–Garissa leaders hold peace talks

Transport services have resumed along the Garissa–Mwingi highway following a peace meeting between leaders from Kitui and Garissa counties aimed at resolving conflict along the volatile border.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama and his Kitui counterpart Julius Malombe held a joint meeting on Thursday, April 30, at Nguni Market in Kitui county after clashes between Somali herders and Kamba farmers that left more than seven people dead, including a 14-year-old boy.

The meeting brought together security teams from both counties, led by their respective County Commissioners, as well as religious and community leaders, in efforts to restore calm.

The engagement followed heightened tensions that disrupted transport and daily life along the busy transport corridor linking Nairobi to North Eastern region and led to the looting of Somali-owned shops in Mwingi town, raising fears of further inter-ethnic clashes.

Addressing residents at Nguni Market, Governor Nathif 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 condemn these inhuman acts,” he said. “If you go to Garissa, Kambas are everywhere, and they are our people. They are the largest non-Somali community in Garissa,” he added.

On his part, Malombe emphasised the need for unity, noting the long-standing coexistence between the neighbouring communities. “The people of Garissa are our neighbours. Our people live there, and their people live here. We want all of us to live in peace. When something bad happens, it is upon us to sit together and resolve our issues in unity. Let us continue to preach peace,” he said.

The leaders agreed on an immediate cessation of hostilities and pledged full cooperation with security agencies to apprehend those behind the attacks.

To address recurring conflict between herders and farmers, the meeting resolved to establish a database of camel herders and pastoralists entering parts of Kitui County to enhance accountability during disputes.

They also proposed structured engagement between pastoralist leaders and farming communities to support orderly livestock movement, alongside the enforcement of clear grazing frameworks and regulated livestock corridors to prevent unlawful entry into farms and settlements.

The leaders further agreed to strengthen inter-county coordination, including intelligence sharing, to detect and address threats in good time.

Residents of Nguni were urged to refrain from attacking motorists and to allow the smooth flow of transport along the Mwingi–Garissa road.

The leaders called on all stakeholders to utilise existing peace and conflict resolution mechanisms and cautioned against inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions. They also reaffirmed support for national security agencies and called for the deployment of personnel to operationalise police stations in volatile areas, including Kwa Kamari.

Following the meeting, bus operators announced the resumption of services along the Mwingi–Garissa route.

“Following improved conditions and careful safety preparations, our Garissa route has officially resumed, Enhanced measures have been implemented along the Garissa route to ensure peace of mind,” said Rayan Classic in a statement.