People living in Kathûngû Village, Ukasi area, Nguni Ward, Mwingi Central Constituency, are urging security authorities to eliminate all camels from the region, asserting this is the definitive solution to ongoing fatalities associated with camel herders.
The villagers made their statement while preparations are underway for the burial of 14-year-old Joseph Mutemi, whose interment is scheduled for the following day. His purported murder by camel herders triggered protests in Mwingi and caused the brief closure of the Mwingi-Garissa Highway.
According to reports, Joseph was gathering wood for charcoal production when he was assaulted and fatally stabbed by attackers suspected to be camel herders.
Ruth Muema, a Kathûngû inhabitant, stated that the recent deaths of a child and a woman in Kitui County had exceeded tolerable limits, noting that harmonious coexistence between Kamba farmers and camel herders was now unfeasible.
In her view, removing all camels from Kitui County represents the sole approach to reestablish permanent peace and stability in the area.
Elizabeth Masila, who lives in Katangini within Sosoma Location, mentioned that fear has overwhelmed the community to such an extent that school children now run away upon encountering camels, trauma induced by the recent assaults.