Kitui, Tana River Administrators Urge Residents to End Border Hostilities
Administrators from Kitui and Tana River counties have jointly called for an immediate end to the recurrent border hostilities that have plagued communities living along their shared boundary. The appeal was made during a cross-border peace meeting convened to address conflicts primarily driven by competition for water and pasture for livestock. The administrators emphasized that continued fighting only deepens poverty and suffering for both sides.
The meeting, which brought together county commissioners, security teams, and local elders from both regions, focused on establishing a framework for peaceful coexistence. They agreed to strengthen joint patrols by security teams from both counties to prevent cattle rustling and armed raids. A key resolution was to revive and empower joint peace committees comprising elders and youth leaders to serve as the first line of conflict resolution.
Residents were urged to use the existing government structures and dialogue to resolve their differences instead of resorting to violence. The leaders warned that security agencies would deal ruthlessly with anyone caught inciting violence or engaging in criminal activities across the border. This collaborative approach aims to foster harmony and unlock the economic potential of the border communities.