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Governor Nathif Jama of Garissa during a security conference in Nguni town /STEPHENASTARIKO

An atmosphere of tension and sorrow prevailed at Nguni Market, where leaders from adjacent Garissa and Kitui counties united in a determined effort to restore harmony.

The meeting on Thursday took place after recent conflicts between ethnic groups, which resulted in at least eight deaths and significant disruption.

Governor Nathif Jama of Garissa and Governor Julius Malombe of Kitui organized a top-tier peace conference, uniting security personnel, political figures, and local community members to tackle the unrest affecting the area.

The conflicts, which impacted the Tseikuru and Nguni regions, have resulted in at least eight deaths, including a 14-year-old boy, with several others injured.

Companies were robbed, drivers were assaulted, and traffic on the heavily used Mwingi–Garissa road came to a halt.

Governor Jama conveyed his grief regarding the lives lost, especially the 14-year-old boy, whose passing has turned into a heartbreaking representation of the ongoing crisis.

He went to visit the boy’s mother, offered his condolences, and criticized the killing, stating that there was no excuse for such an action.

He promised his support to the grieving family, offering help with funeral preparations and ongoing assistance for the boy’s mother and her two other children.

“Our hearts are burdened by the grief of a family who has lost a 14-year-old boy to bandits. There are no words that can heal this sorrow, and nothing can fill the void he has left. We are with his mother and those who cherish him during this heartbreaking time,” Jama said.

Governor Malombe supported the appeal for tranquility, encouraging all involved parties to use recognized methods for maintaining peace and resolving conflicts.

He warned against provocative remarks that might escalate conflicts and reiterated the country’s dedication to collaborating closely with national security organizations.

He also urged the assignment of staff to activate police stations in high-risk regions, such as Kwa Kamari.

Discussions during the meeting led to a set of decisions focused on bringing back order and avoiding additional disputes.

The officials requested an immediate halt to fighting and encouraged complete collaboration with law enforcement to ensure the individuals behind the attacks face legal consequences.

They also supported the establishment of a database to monitor camel herders and pastoralists entering the region, an action aimed at improving responsibility during conflicts.

To tackle ongoing conflicts between herders and agriculturalists, the gathering decided to create formal communication channels between the two communities.

It also committed to implementing well-defined grazing guidelines and controlled livestock pathways to stop unauthorized access to farms and communities.

Improved communication between counties, involving the exchange of information, was also given high priority to facilitate the timely identification and handling of new dangers.

Furthermore, both county governments pledged to aid impacted families via humanitarian support and recovery initiatives.

Inhabitants of Nguni have committed to stopping assaults on drivers and ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles along the Mwingi–Garissa route, indicating a move toward stability.

The leaders highlighted the importance of enduring solutions that tackle fundamental problems like climate challenges, disputes over resources, and unrestricted animal movement—elements that have progressively intensified conflicts in the area.

Indications of recovery are starting to appear. Bus companies that had halted their operations during the week because of the unrest restarted services on Friday, reestablishing a vital transportation connection and providing optimism for the slow return to normalcy.

The gathering included security personnel from Garissa and Kitui counties, along with various political and county officials, such as ODM’s selected MP Umulkher Harun, majority leader Mohamed Abdi Farah, and county secretary Mohamud Mursal, plus others.

Governor Julius Malombe of Kitui at the security meeting /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Residents and leaders from Kitui and Garissa county during the security meeting /STEPHEN ASTARIKO