Residents of Nguni in Mwingi East, Kitui County, are calling on President William Ruto to order the immediate commencement of the stalled construction of Katumba Police Station ahead of his visit to Kitui for the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The police station is one of eight facilities earmarked by the Kitui County Government along the porous Kitui–Tana River border to help curb insecurity.
However, despite a contractor having been awarded the project over a year ago, construction is yet to begin.
The delay stems from a dispute, with locals from Tana River County claiming that the proposed site falls within their territory, not Kitui’s.
Efforts by peace committees from both counties to resolve the boundary row have so far failed, leaving residents in limbo.
Nguni locals are now demanding that the national government not only fast-track the construction of the station but also provide a clear demarcation of the Kitui–Tana River boundary to avert future conflict.
They further raised concerns about frequent incursions into the area by herders and their livestock, warning that the situation could spark fresh clashes if left unresolved.
