Three Members of Parliament (MPs), a Member of the County Assembly (MCA), and a former woman representative have been summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in connection with allegations of incitement and destruction of public property. The issue has escalated following a raid on the Kona Kaliti police station in Kitui South, which is currently under construction, with claims of cross-border tension between Kitui and Tana River counties playing a central role.
The NCIC, which investigates actions that may foster division or hatred among communities, has stepped in to probe this incident. The MPs summoned are Yakub Kuno (Bura), Said Hiribae (Galole), and Amina Dika (Tana River Woman Representative). Along with them, Bangale MCA Jibril Farah and former Tana River Woman Representative Rehema Hassan are also expected to present themselves before the commission on October 8, 2024, to answer for allegations of incitement to violence and destruction.
This case highlights deeper issues of resource management, local leadership, and historical tensions between communities, and the outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the peace and security of the region.
Background of the Incident: A Long-standing Conflict
The Kona Kaliti police station, located in Kitui South, became the epicenter of violence last week when groups of individuals, believed to be from Tana River County, raided the site. They broke windowpanes, tore off the roof, and carted away iron sheets, solar panels, batteries, and other items from the still-under-construction police station. According to Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto, the attackers even drove the stationed police officers out.
The incident has been seen as part of a wider conflict involving herders from Tana River moving their livestock into Kitui. Thousands of Tana River residents have reportedly migrated to Kitui in search of pasture, bringing their camels and occupying protected areas such as the South Kitui National Game Reserve. This cross-border migration has stirred up tensions between the residents of Kitui and Tana River, leading to confrontations and, in some cases, violence.
The destruction of the Kona Kaliti police station is not an isolated event. According to reports, attempts to build the Katumba police station in the same region have been met with resistance from people suspected to be from Tana River County. Using stones and crude weapons, these groups have disrupted construction efforts on multiple occasions, raising concerns over the safety and feasibility of completing the project.
The Role of Local Leaders in the Conflict
One of the core allegations leveled against the leaders summoned by NCIC is that they played a role in inciting violence and lawlessness in the region. Some of these leaders are accused of encouraging residents from Tana River to invade Kitui, graze their camels, and destroy the Kona Kaliti police station. Their actions, according to the NCIC, may have fueled tensions and led to feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, and violence along the border of the two counties.
In its official communication, NCIC acting chairman Harrison Kariuki cautioned the leaders involved not to disregard the summons. The commission has made it clear that the investigation will proceed thoroughly, and it expects the leaders to cooperate fully.
The NCIC’s statement reflects the gravity of the situation: “These statements are reported to have incited feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence, or discrimination among residents living along the border of Kitui and Tana River counties.”
The local leaders, including MPs Yakub Kuno, Said Hiribae, and Amina Dika, as well as Bangale MCA Jibril Farah and former Woman Representative Rehema Hassan, have been linked to various incitement actions. According to the NCIC, one leader allegedly incited residents of Katumba to oppose the construction of a police station, while others encouraged residents to take aggressive action against their Kitui neighbors.
NCIC’s Call for Law and Order
In response to the escalating tensions, NCIC Commissioner Danvas Makori, while speaking in Kitui earlier this week, emphasized the commission’s commitment to upholding peace in the region. Makori called on the local leadership of both Kitui and Tana River counties to prioritize peace and ensure that their constituents do not engage in lawlessness. He also reiterated that the NCIC would take firm action against any politician found guilty of inciting violence.
“NCIC expects leaders in the two counties to uphold peace,” Makori stated, urging residents of both counties to remain calm. He also pointed out that the NCIC is prepared to take appropriate legal action against any individual found to have violated the law by inciting communities to violence.
Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto echoed similar sentiments. He expressed concern over the growing conflict and emphasized that no leader is above the law. “We appeal to NCIC to take appropriate action in accordance with the law. Those who are culpable or are suspects from both sides of the divide must face the full force of the law,” Rutto said.
Rutto’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among local authorities over the repeated clashes between Kitui and Tana River residents. The police have been forced to intervene in multiple incidents, and the destruction of public property, including police stations, is a serious escalation of the conflict.
The Broader Implications: Resource Management and Cross-Border Tensions
At the heart of this conflict is a broader issue of resource management and land use. The ongoing drought in Kenya has forced herders from counties like Tana River to move in search of pasture for their livestock. Kitui, which neighbors Tana River, has become a target for these herders, leading to tensions between the two communities.
The migration of Tana River herders into Kitui is not a new phenomenon. In recent years, similar movements have occurred during times of drought, often leading to clashes between the pastoralists and local farmers. However, the destruction of public property, such as the Kona Kaliti police station, marks a significant escalation in the conflict.
Local leaders from both counties have been accused of stoking these tensions for political gain. Incitement to violence, especially over issues of land and resource use, is a recurring problem in many parts of Kenya, where competition for limited resources can easily spiral into conflict.
Legal and Political Ramifications
The upcoming hearings at the NCIC could have significant legal and political ramifications for the leaders involved. If found guilty of incitement, the MPs and other leaders could face legal consequences, including possible jail time or fines. Additionally, their political careers could be jeopardized, as incitement to violence is a serious offense in Kenya, particularly under the NCIC’s mandate to promote national cohesion.
The NCIC has been under pressure to deliver tangible results in curbing hate speech and incitement among political leaders. This case presents an opportunity for the commission to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the law and preventing further violence in the region.
At the same time, the conflict between Kitui and Tana River residents raises broader questions about how Kenya’s government can better manage resource conflicts in drought-prone areas. As climate change continues to exacerbate drought conditions in many parts of the country, the need for long-term solutions to these conflicts is becoming increasingly urgent.
Conclusion: A Call for Peace and Justice
As the investigation into the Kitui police station raid unfolds, the spotlight is on the role of local leaders in either promoting peace or inciting violence. The NCIC has taken a firm stance on the issue, calling on the leaders involved to present themselves for questioning and cooperate fully with the investigation.
The broader conflict between Kitui and Tana River residents reflects deeper issues of resource management, migration, and historical tensions. Without concerted efforts from both local and national leaders to address these root causes, the potential for further violence remains high.
Ultimately, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership in maintaining peace and order in Kenya’s communities. Whether the NCIC will succeed in holding the responsible parties accountable remains to be seen, but the commission’s actions in the coming weeks will be closely watched by both the public and political observers alike.
