Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured residents of Kitui county that the government will restore lasting security following recent deadly flare-ups linked to resource-based conflicts in parts of the county.

Kindiki said security agencies had been directed to intensify operations in the affected areas to prevent further violence, as the government works on a long-term solution to the conflict.

“I want to assure the people of Kitui that the government will ensure they are safe. The government has directed all those responsible with security to ensure the latest incident is not treated as an isolated case,” the Deputy President said.

He spoke on Wednesday after attending the third annual Regulatory Authorities and Agencies conference at South Eastern Kenya University in Kitui county.

The assurance comes days after renewed violence in parts of Kitui, where residents have raised concerns over insecurity, attacks and tensions linked to competition over pasture, water and other resources. Local leaders have in recent days called on the national government to intervene decisively and protect communities from further attacks.

Kindiki said the government was treating the matter with seriousness and would not allow criminals to hide behind resource conflicts to commit acts of violence.

“The same way we have been able to suppress banditry and terrorism significantly, we will do the same to crack down on those hiding in resource conflicts to perpetuate crime,” he declared.

The Deputy President said the government had the capacity to contain the violence and ensure stability in the county, adding that a lasting solution was achievable through firm security action and accountability.

He warned that anyone found to have played a role in the conflict would face the law, regardless of their position in society or government.

“If a political leader or a government official is involved, then action will be taken against them because crime is crime and is punishable by law,” he noted.

Kindiki said the government would not tolerate any form of criminality and urged residents to remain calm as security agencies continue with their work.

He added that the latest incident would be investigated fully, with the aim of ensuring justice for victims and preventing future attacks.

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