National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Dr Augustus Kyalo Muli/HANDOUTNational Liberal Party (NLP) leader Dr Augustus Kyalo Muli has intensified pressure on Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe over what he describes as the county leadership's silence in the face of growing insecurity.
In a letter to the governor a day after leading peaceful demonstrations in Kitui Town, Muli criticised the county's leadership for failing to publicly address the recent killings, comfort bereaved families, or engage citizens who are increasingly demanding answers over the deteriorating situation.
The opposition leader said residents who took part in Thursday's demonstrations expected county leadership to listen to their grievances rather than shut them out.
"Residents who gathered peacefully to seek answers over the killings deserve to be heard, not locked out by leaders elected to serve them," Muli said.
The demonstrations were sparked by growing concerns over insecurity, including reported killings in Kitui Central and violence linked to conflicts involving herders.
Residents have also raised alarm over cases of gender-based violence and rape, which they say have created fear among women and vulnerable groups.
Muli outlined a series of demands and deadlines aimed at compelling the county government to take urgent action.
Among the key demands is a public apology to families affected by gender-based violence, rape, killings and other injustices.
Muli wants the apology issued by June 20 as a demonstration of solidarity with victims and their families.
He also called for the immediate implementation of a policy requiring the governor to hold at least two public barazas every month beginning in July.
According to Muli, the forums would provide residents with an opportunity to directly engage county leadership, raise concerns and seek accountability on matters affecting their lives.
The NLP leader further demanded the convening of an emergency Gender-Based Violence Summit by June 27.
He proposed that the meeting bring together County Commissioner Erastus Mbui, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), representatives from FIDA, women leaders and other stakeholders to develop practical interventions to address the crisis.
The summit, he said, should also focus on measures to improve the safety and welfare of women and girls, including the provision of safe housing, free sanitary towels for vulnerable girls and the installation of 200 street lights across the county to improve security.
Muli additionally wants Malombe and Mbui to issue a joint statement within seven days detailing measures being implemented to curb the killings and restore public confidence in security agencies.
Muli warned that failure by the county government to respond to the demands would trigger a new phase of action, including fresh demonstrations.
He maintained that residents would continue exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly until meaningful action is taken to address insecurity and protect vulnerable members of the community.
