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{
    "id": 1204328,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1204328/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 82,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Narok West, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, the Statement from the Cabinet Secretary is very long, but I will try to mention the important issues. Hon. Irene Kasalu, Member for Kitui County, requested for a Statement on insecurity and invasion of camel herders in Kitui County. The Member sought to be informed on the immediate steps the Government has put in place to enhance security in the region, and in particular to stem the influx of armed camel herders from Tana River, Garissa and Wajir counties into Kitui County. She also wanted to know the investigations undertaken to arrest and bring perpetrators to book for killings and loss of property and crops in Kitui County. She further wanted to know the actions taken by the Government to flush out bandits, raiders and invaders across the county, including those in game parks. She also wanted to know the measures that the Ministry has put in place to ensure that affected residents will be compensated for loss of lives and properties as well as for injuries sustained. The issue of camel herders has a long history in Kitui County dating back to the 1970s. Nomads moved from North Eastern Kenya in the early 1970s through Tana River County to Kitui County, mostly in search of water and pastures. Over that period of time, they accumulated large numbers of camels, sheep and goats. They have enjoyed peaceful coexistence over the years. However, in recent times, there have been accusations against herders with locals alleging that they are major conduits of firearms into Kitui and possibly the nearby areas, which is of big concern to the locals. We all remember that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration visited the area a couple of weeks ago, following the outcry from locals. Since 18th August 2022, there have been five reported murders and one serious assault or attempted murder that were committed by suspected Somali herders against the Kambas across Kitui County. All the murders were committed through use of sharp objects while the attempted murder was through a gunshot. Hon. Speaker, I want to bring to the attention of the House the fact that investigations are ongoing. In total, five persons, all from the Kamba Community, have been killed since 1st August 2022 to date. During the same period, nine persons - eight members of the Kamba Community and one from the Somali Community - have been injured in the skirmishes. All the cases, apart from one, are under investigation. In investigation of one of the cases, there is a pending arrest of a known accused person. The county has witnessed quite a number of incidents since August to date. Such cases have been reported and recorded at police stations in the affected areas. The Government has put in place a number of stringent measures to curb the vice. I want to mention a few. One, both Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the National Police Service (NPS) officers at the county and sub-county levels have been holding peace barazas in the troubled areas. Peace committees involving members of the two communities have been activated. The County Security and Intelligence Committee has organised such meetings in Mutha Ward. The first one was held on 21st September 2022, which marked the World Peace Day. The second one took place on 18th October 2022. Members of Parliament, namely, Hon. Nimrod Mbai and Hon. Nyamai, were present. The County Security and Intelligence Committee also held a peace meeting in Kasiluni Village, Kaavani Location, Ngomeni Division on 29th September 2022. The public insisted that the camel herders had to immediately move out of the farmland to pave way for preparation of the planting season. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}