Opposition Leaders Condemn Kitui Killings, Call for Calm and Swift Security Action

Wiper Democratic Party leader Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Speaking during a press briefing held at SKM Command center in Nairobi.

Opposition leaders have condemned the recent killings in Kitui County and parts of northeastern Kenya, warning against escalating retaliatory attacks and urging the government to act decisively to restore order.

Speaking during a press briefing, Wiper Democratic Party leader Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka termed the Sekuro attack that left eight people dead as “cowardly,” noting that some of the victims were his relatives, including the daughter of a close neighbour.

Kalonzo said the violence appears to be part of a retaliatory cycle following earlier killings involving Somali youths and a separate incident in which a young boy was murdered in Lukasi, triggering anger in Mwingi.

“This is a dangerous cycle of revenge. These communities have lived together peacefully before, but criminals are now driving division,” he said.

He called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to urgently deploy officers to police stations established by the Kitui County Government, and ensure those responsible for the killings are arrested.

Amb. Siyat Calls for Restraint and Coexistence

Wiper Party Front Member Amb. Osman Siyat echoed Kalonzo’s sentiments, sending condolences to affected families and urging communities to avoid retaliation.

“The people of Kitui, Tana River and Garissa have lived together for centuries. No one should create conflict between us. Let us stop revenge attacks and choose peace,” he said.

Siyat emphasized that no individual’s rights should override another’s, calling for respect between pastoralists and farmers and warning against actions that could inflame tensions.

Hon. Karoli Raises Security and Policy Gaps

Also speaking, Hon. Karoli said Parliament had already discussed the matter following a motion by Makueni MP Makali Mulu.

He noted that the issue had been referred to the parliamentary security committee with key recommendations, including:

• Deployment of better communication infrastructure through the Universal Service Fund
• A comprehensive strategy from the Ministry of Interior to address recurring conflicts

“It is unfortunate that Kenyans are fighting each other. If there is any political instigation, those responsible must be held accountable,” Karoli said.

Senators Signal Intervention as Calm Returns

A senator who spoke at the briefing said the matter had also been raised in the Senate, with plans underway for a committee visit to the affected regions.

The senator noted that calm was gradually returning in Mwingi and stressed the importance of engaging security agencies and local communities to prevent further violence.

He also urged residents not to target Somali traders, describing them as integral to the local economy.

“The Somali business community are not enemies. They are part of the town’s growth and development,” he said.

Governors and Local Leaders Back Peace Talks

Kalonzo welcomed ongoing efforts by Kitui Governor Julius Malombe and Garissa Governor Nathif Jama Adam, who are engaging to ease tensions.

He called for urgent peace meetings involving elders from affected communities, saying local dialogue remains key to preventing further bloodshed.

Warning Against Division and Retaliation

The leaders dismissed attempts to frame the violence as ethnic conflict, insisting that those behind the attacks are criminals.

They urged communities including Kamba, Somali, Samburu and Meru to reject revenge attacks and instead cooperate with authorities.

“Every act of revenge adds another name to the list of the dead. We must end this cycle,” Kalonzo said.

The leaders maintained that Kenya remains one indivisible nation and warned against political or ethnic narratives that could deepen divisions.