Kalonzo Musyoka calls for security boost along border of Kitui and Tana River counties

By Paul Mutua

Kitui, Kenya: CORD deputy principal Kalonzo Musyoka has raised concerns over insecurity along the border of Kitui and Tana River counties.

The former vice president spent four days in his Mwingi North constituency and toured Tseikuru, Kyuso and Mumoni districts where he assured residents that he would press for improved security.

The Wiper Democratic Movement leader declared that he would mobilise resources to put up an electric fence around the Kora national game reserve to curb banditry.

“We need to act fast to stem the sporadic banditry that occurs along the Kitui-Tana counties border. The earlier Memorandum of Understanding between the locals and Kenya Wildlife Service to create a buffer zone was ignored,” said Kalonzo.

Fear of attacks

He said he would also ask the county administration to clearly demarcate its borders and ensure residents stop living in fear.

The former VP said several people have died since the 1980s following attacks by armed bandits from North Eastern region while nomadic pastoralists have also clashed with locals over ownership of grazing fields and wells.

Kalonzo asked the constituents and the Kamba community at large to remain united and speak in one voice, saying their solidarity in Wiper would determine their political future.

The residents said poor infrastructure had also hindered the opening up of the county for investment and tourism.

They said the construction of the 329-kilometre Kibwezi-Mutomo-Kitui-Mwingi B7 highway remains a mirage.

The residents further called for the re-designing of the Lamu Port and Southern Sudan, Ethiopia Transport corridor to traverse Kitui for easier transportation of minerals.

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