By ROBERT MWITA, THE DISPATCH DIGITAL
Residents of Gwitembe, Bwirege, in Kuria East Constituency are appealing to the national government and international community for intervention as terrorists, gangsters, and cattle rustlers from the neighbouring Kipsigis community wreak havoc, raiding, robbing, and killing innocent people. The violence has already led to internal displacement, as local security officials appear helpless, fearing reprimands from senior government officials, who are believed to be not only aware of but tacitly encouraging the raids from within the Office of the President. Some observers have even compared the situation to genocide and are demanding urgent action.
What initially seemed like tribal clashes between the Abakuria of Gwitembe and the Kipsigis, a Kalenjin sub-tribe, has escalated into a one-sided Kipsigis assault. It appears to be aimed at displacing the Abakuria and seizing their farmland. The Kipsigis have already claimed large areas of Angata Barikoi, historically owned by the Abakuria.
Despite the County Government of Migori allocating over Ksh 20 million for peace efforts, the funds appear to have done little more than support the personal development projects of the Deputy Governor, in whose office the funds are managed.
Under the leadership of the late Deputy Governor Mahanga Mwita and the Kuria Select Committee, led by the late Col. Joseph Bwire, the Kuria community previously pursued peace initiatives. However, their deaths have left the community vulnerable, exploited by opportunists with no vision other than to maintain the unproductive leadership of Governor Ochilo Ayacko.
Although security is a national government function, it is unclear why funds have been allocated to the Deputy Governor’s office to manage security, which is a violation of the constitution. Misappropriating these funds is only excusable if they were used for the benefit of the community, which is evidently not the case.
What is particularly concerning is the national government’s detachment from the ongoing terror in Gwitembe. Despite Internal Security PS Dr Raymond Omolo, from neighbouring Homa Bay County, being well aware of the situation, he appears either unconcerned or intimidated into silence as Kalenjin warriors continue to conquer more areas for their tribal settlement. Residents say the PS needs to act, but local leaders, including MP Kitayama Maisori, seem indifferent or unaware of the gravity of the attacks.
In previous years, local initiatives, including a peace caravan funded by the US NGO USAID, successfully united neighbouring communities. However, the current county government has failed to prioritise peace. While cohesion and integration have been delegated to the County Government through the Deputy Governor’s office, the allocated funds have not been directed towards resolving the conflict in Gwitembe. Many members of the original peace caravan have been sidelined for not supporting the governor or for political reasons, leaving little chance of meaningful peace initiatives.
“Let whatever leadership exists come together to discuss the best way forward and officially engage,” said one Mahegere in a WhatsApp group. “Going it alone at this point may worsen the situation before we make any progress.”
A senior police officer in Ntimaru expressed frustration, stating that police are unable to act against the aggressors because Kalenjin officers stationed in Migori leak intelligence to their tribesmen, allowing them to escape before the police arrive. Officers fear decisive action could lead to transfers or, worse, dismissal. “We are here, but we cannot do our job because these criminals rely on the President’s protection. If you arrest one of them, you risk severe punishment.” He added that local MP Kitayama Maisori was hesitant to criticise the terror attacks in Gwitembe due to concerns about losing personal benefits from the government.
In desperation, residents are considering taking matters into their own hands. “Should we wait for our leaders (MPs, PS, MCAs, CECs, COs, and retired veterans) to come up with a plan, or do we act on our own? We need to address this Gwitembe issue urgently. Yesterday, I saw women from Makarrangwe crying too! Perhaps tomorrow or the next day, we in Kuria should head to Gwitembe?” one resident asked.
While some suggested that the local professionals’ organisation, KUPA, should get involved, others believe KUPA has been compromised and only serves personal interests, making it ineffective in resolving the issue.
“We started well when KUPA leadership called for a press conference and drew public attention. However, once the spotlight faded, the situation returned to its original state. Kuria leadership, especially from Kuria East, including the county government, needs to unite and push for a resolution with one voice. A united leadership is powerful.”
As discussions continue, children displaced by the terror attacks are unable to attend school, and the area is in urgent need of food, blankets, and medical supplies. Meanwhile, what some have described as an internal genocide, allegedly supported by the state, continues in Kuria, with local leadership remaining silent. The silence of local MPs Mathias Nyamabe Robi and Kitayama Maisori has led some residents to conclude that they are aware of, and perhaps complicit in, the state-sponsored terror attacks.