A section of women leaders in Kitui County has condemned the recent murder of six farmers in Mandongoi and Ngomeni sub-locations in Mwingi North, allegedly by invading camel herders from neighboring counties. Hundreds of residents have fled their homes fearing further attacks.
Kitui County women leaders, led by ODM nominated senator Beth Syengo and former Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza, have expressed deep concern over the displacement of residents due to the attacks. They urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to increase security in the affected areas and ensure the camel herders are returned to their respective counties.
In the recent banditry attack, a Grade Seven pupil was shot and injured, several homes were torched, and six school children were killed in a road accident near Kyoani market. The county women leaders mourned the loss of the children and called for improved road safety measures.
During a forum for Kitui County Union for Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Sacco (KICUSA), the leaders also presided over the distribution of 230 water tanks to individual members of the women’s Sacco. This initiative aims to alleviate the water scarcity that has long plagued Kitui County.
KICUSA is an umbrella Sacco for 72 women groups with over 15,000 members. The water tanks were purchased using funds raised during a fundraiser led by Ms. Malonza. Around 700 women are set to benefit from the water tank distribution drive in phase one.
The chairlady of KICUSA, Gladys Julius, emphasized the importance of this initiative for women who have struggled with unreliable water supply. She noted that each woman is required to contribute Sh10,000, while the union covers the remaining costs for a 2,500-litre tank with a 17-year warranty.
Malonza encouraged more women across the county to join KICUSA, highlighting its benefits and the potential for further growth. She noted that there are over 500,000 women in Kitui County who could benefit from joining the Sacco.
