The National Police Service (NPS) has called for calm and restraint following a series of deadly retaliatory attacks in Tseikuru Sub-county, Kitui County, that have left at least 12 people dead over the past month.

In a statement issued Sunday, April 26, 2026, the police said they were “deeply perturbed” by the killings, which they described as part of a worrying pattern of revenge attacks involving members of the Kamba and Somali communities.

According to the police, the violence began on March 29, 2026, when a 44-year-old Kamba herdsman was killed near Mwingi Game Reserve. The following day, a suspected retaliatory attack left four members of the Somali community dead.

“A chronology of criminal attacks below points to a pattern of retaliatory attacks involving two communities—the Kamba and the Somali—which must not only be condemned but also stopped immediately: On 29th March 2026, a 44-year-old Kamba herdsman was killed near Mwingi Game Reserve,” the police report read.

“The following day, 30th March 2026, a suspected retaliatory attack left four members of the Somali community dead.”

How tensions escalated

The police stated that the tensions escalated further on April 25, 2026 when seven people believed to be from the Kamba community were killed in an attack at Kwa Kamari area in Tseikuru.

“Yesterday, 25th April 2026, an attack on Kwa Kamari area left seven people dead, all believed to be from the Kamba community,” the police noted.

Inspector General Douglas Kanja has since dispatched a high-powered security team to the area led by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who is already on the ground overseeing operations.

Reinforcements are also being dispatched to the area. The officers noted that the whole aspect of these attacks will be investigated exhaustively and brought to a logical conclusion.

Appeal to public

The authorities has urged residents and community leaders to exercise restraint and promote peace, warning that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.

Members of the public with information on the attacks have been asked to report to the nearest police station or use toll-free numbers 999 and 911, or anonymously share tips through the #FichuaKwaDCI platform.

“Any person with any information regarding these incidents is asked to give the police the necessary support. The public are also asked to report to the nearest police station or law enforcement officer, or to share the same via our toll-free numbers—999 or 911—or anonymously via our #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000,” NPS said.