Residents of the villages of Kararachi, Kisiki, and Chambuu in the Hawewanje area of Kilifi County are fleeing their homes due to fears of inter-community violence. This unrest has been triggered by the invasion of pastoralists seeking pasture for their livestock. The tension reached a boiling point following an incident on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, when a local villager was reportedly attacked by a suspected pastoralist. This incident has sparked an unprecedented exodus as residents seek safety from potential violence.
The conflict began when a pastoralist, who had brought his herds of cattle into Chambuu village, refused to move his livestock from the area near the River Galana, opposite Chakama trading center. According to sources, the pastoralist attacked a local resident without provocation, prompting the resident to flee. This act of aggression escalated tensions, leading to further violence. In the ensuing chaos, three local men were stabbed, and several shelters belonging to the Orma community, typically thatched with grass and other vegetation, were set ablaze.
The injured individuals, including an elderly man and a child, are currently receiving medical treatment. Several herders have also sustained injuries during the retaliatory attacks and counter-attacks that followed the initial incident. The local chief has reported that a number of residents have taken refuge at Hawewanje Primary School. Despite his assurances and calls for them to return home, these individuals remain fearful of potential night-time attacks.
In response to the escalating situation, a security meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026. The meeting aims to address the rising tensions and facilitate reconciliation between the herders and the local communities. Authorities hope to prevent further retaliatory attacks and restore peace in the area. The meeting will bring together local leaders, security personnel, and representatives from both the pastoralist and resident communities to discuss measures to ensure the safety and security of all involved.
The conflict over grazing land is not uncommon in Kenya, where pastoralists often move their livestock in search of pasture, sometimes leading to disputes with local farming communities. The situation in Kilifi County underscores the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms to address such disputes and prevent violence. As the community awaits the outcome of the security meeting, the hope is that dialogue and understanding will prevail, allowing residents to return to their homes and resume their daily lives without fear.
