Residents of Kathûngû Village in Ukasi area, Nguni Ward, Mwingi Central Constituency, are calling on security agencies to remove all camels from the area, saying it is the only lasting solution to the persistent killings linked to camel herders.

The residents spoke as burial preparations continue for 14-year-old Joseph Mutemi, who is set to be laid to rest on Wednesday, May 13. His killing — allegedly by camel herders — sparked demonstrations in Mwingi and led to the temporary closure of the Mwingi-Garissa Highway.

Joseph is said to have gone to collect wood for charcoal burning when he was attacked and fatally slashed with knives by assailants believed to be camel herders.

Ruth Muema, a resident of Kathûngû, said the recent killings of a child and a woman in Kitui County had crossed the line, adding that peaceful co-existence between Kamba farmers and camel herders was no longer possible.

According to her, removing all camels from Kitui County remains the only way to restore lasting peace and security in the region.

Elizabeth Masila, a resident of Katangini in Sosoma Location, said fear has gripped the area to the extent that school-going children now flee whenever they see camels due to trauma caused by the recent attacks.