Garissa non-locals condemn incitement after taxi driver death and Kitui killings

by STEPHEN ASTARIKOMonday May 4, 2026

Alex Njiru, their chairperson Christian community in Garissa./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Non-local community leaders in Garissa have sharply criticised politicians they accuse of stoking tensions and turning recent killings into ammunition for tribal blame games.

The leaders spoke after the death of a taxi driver in Garissa and a bandit attack in Tseikuru, Mwingi, which left eight people dead.

At a press briefing in Garissa on Sunday, they said politicians have direct access to top government offices, including the Office of the President, Cabinet Secretaries and the Inspector General of Police, and should use those channels instead of making public statements that inflame communities.

Led by their chairperson, Alex Njiru, the Christian community said public leaders ought to be champions of peace and unity, not voices that deepen divisions along tribal, clan or religious lines.

The leaders also rejected any attempt to link them to the actions of a police officer in Garissa, saying no community should be held responsible for the conduct of one individual.

“We join other communities countrywide in condemning the inhumane act of killing a small boy in Ukasi, who could have had a better future, and also condemn the killing of a taxi driver by police,” he said.

He added; “We were not involved in any way in the unfortunate killing of a taxi driver in Garissa. It was a police officer, whom we do not even know. We, as a community, should not be blamed for the actions of a single person.”

Jane Okalo urged politicians to weigh their words carefully, warning that careless remarks can quickly ignite violence between communities.

“We want to ask politicians to measure their words when speaking to the public and consider whether their statements will help the community or bring chaos. They should allow the police to do their work without interference,” she said.

At the same time, the community leaders faulted security agencies for dragging their feet on investigations and taking too long to arrest those behind the killing of innocent Kenyans, as well as those accused of fanning violence.

Last week Thursday, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama and Kitui Governor Julius Malombe jointly convened a high-level peace meeting, bringing together security teams, political leaders and community representatives to address the violence that has shaken the region.

The meeting came as a result of recent inter-ethnic clashes between Kamba and Somali communities, which have left a trail of loss and disruption.