Ngilu joins list of Kitui leaders preaching violence against Somali herders

Kitui governor Charity Ngilu. She told the police to intervene. (Courtesy)

NAIROBI—Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu now wants the security forces to help the local communities against the Somali herders.

She told the police to arrest Somali pastoralists invading farms and homes in Mutha ward or she will tell owners to defend themselves using arms.

“Enough is enough. It is time we sorted out this menace once and for all. I speak without fear. We shall deal firmly with this problem of insecurity and Somali invasions,” the Star quoted her on Thursday at Mutha trading centre.

Security chiefs, Assembly Majority leader Peter Kilonzo, Mutha MCA Anthony John and Environment and Natural Resources executive John was present.

Ngilu said the Constitution gives citizens the right to protect their lives and property.

She faulted the police for ‘allowing’ pastoralists to invade Kitui, yet local herders do not intrude into other counties.

“Why do they then invade and attack us? Do they think we cannot defend ourselves?” she posed.

Ngilu said it is wrong for the police to force farmers whose land has been encroached on by herders to be forced to look after the stray camels and pay for any loss or injury to the animals.

She said the invasion by herders and charcoal traders is making residents poor. Ngilu also said the indiscriminate cutting of trees for charcoal use and trade has damaged the environment.

Last month, the member of Parliament for Kitui East threatened the Somali herders with ethnically charged statement.

“Leave or you will see the consequence,” he told the herders.