Fear Grips Kitui South as Camel Herders' Attacks endanger Learners sitting National Exams

For years, residents of Kitui South Constituency, particularly Mutha Ward, have been grappling with persistent attacks from Somali camel herders believed to have crossed over from Tana River County. These clashes have led to losses of lives, displacement of families, and widespread fear among residents.

The latest incident occurred recently when a resident from Mutha Ward sustained a gunshot wound during an attack allegedly perpetrated by camel herders. He is currently recovering at Kenyatta National Hospital after undergoing surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his rib. The attack, local leaders say, is proof that the long-standing conflict remains unresolved and continues to endanger innocent lives.

As candidates across the country sit for the KPSEA, KJSEA and KCSE examinations, education stakeholders in Kitui have raised alarm over the safety of learners and teachers in affected areas. They fear that students walking to and from examination centres are exposed to possible attacks.

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kitui Branch leaders speaking during meeting held on Monday 27th October, 2025 led by the KNUT Kitui County Secretary, Simon Mutunga Nding’o, voiced deep concern over the security situation, calling on the Interior Ministry to guarantee maximum protection for both learners and teachers throughout the examination period.

“Security remains a serious issue in parts of Kitui South. Learners and teachers should not have to risk their lives to sit national examinations. We urge the government to provide adequate security patrols, especially around Mutha and other border areas,” said Nding’o.

Echoing his sentiments, KNUT Mutomo Branch Secretary Clapperton Kilonzo noted that the presence of armed camel herders has for years disrupted peace in Kitui South, leaving residents living in constant fear.

“I urge the Ministry of Interior to act decisively and restore peace in Mutha Ward. We want our learners to undertake their examinations in a peaceful environment,” Kilonzo stated.

KNUT Mutomo branch in Kitui South constituency  Chairman Paul Mbuvi also appealed to the national government to extend protection to teachers who are tasked with supervising and invigilating the ongoing examinations.“Teachers are performing a critical national duty. It is only fair that the government guarantees their safety so that they can conduct exams without fear,” Mbuvi said.

According to the Kitui County Education Office, 27, 222 students are sitting for the KCSE examinations, 34,950 for KJSEA, and 32,300 for KPSEA across the county. A significant number of these candidates are from Kitui South, where security remains compromised.

Leaders now want the Ministry of Interior to deploy additional security personnel to restore peace and ensure that learners, teachers, and residents in volatile areas can go about their activities without fear.