Man Killed in Kitui as Tensions Rise Over Illegal Sand Extraction

A 70-year-old man was killed in Kitui County after being attacked by armed youths while protesting against sand mining along River Mwania.

Joseph Mwendwa was assaulted last week by a group reportedly linked to organised sand mining operations. He died from his injuries while being taken to hospital. Several other villagers were wounded in the same attack. At his burial in Kaunguni village, residents said the assailants were armed with machetes and clubs and accused authorities of failing to protect communities affected by the trade. No arrests have been reported.

Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui announced a temporary suspension of sand mining activities at River Mwania as investigations continue. The decision follows mounting pressure on Governor Julius Malombe, whose administration has faced criticism over enforcement of the county’s Sand Utilisation and Conservation Act enacted in 2024. The law was introduced to regulate extraction and protect river ecosystems, but officials acknowledge shortcomings in its implementation.

Increased sand harvesting in the area has been linked to demand generated by the national government’s affordable housing programme, which has raised the need for construction materials. Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka have criticised unregulated extraction, warning that continued depletion of riverbeds threatens water sources and agricultural livelihoods.

Governor Malombe has defended the legislation, stating that effective enforcement could support revenue collection, employment and water conservation. The Act promotes the formation of cooperatives among miners and transporters to encourage compliance.

However, local officials say these groups remain weak and susceptible to influence from dominant traders. Some transporters maintain that they operate under permits issued by the National Environmental Management Authority and pay county levies each year.