Thursday, June 04, 2015
Kitui county commissioner Moffat Kangi has bowed to pressure from local leaders to evict armed herders occupying some parts of the county.
He said members of the Somali community occupy parts of Mutomo, Ikutha and Mutito.
Kangi said they have abused the hospitality of Kitui people by "frequently attacking and killing them".
He spoke on Monday during the Madaraka Day rally at Ithookwe Showgound.
Kangi said a "firm decision" has been reached to flush out the herders.
"A recent leaders' meeting attended by MCAs resolved that the only way to uphold security and peace in Kitui is to ask the herders to leave or we will force them out," he said.
Kangi said it has become impossible for residents to coexist with the herders "due to their hostile, violent and intolerant ways".
He said their frequent and unprovoked killing of residents is now unbearable.