Government deploys 339 officers in Laikipia
Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo at his office in Nakuru on November 29, 2016. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP
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The officers will join their colleagues at Mugie, Suyian, Kifuko, Ol Maisor and Mutara ranches in Laikipia West where thousands of herds of cattle have been grazing illegally.
Speaking after a meeting in Nanyuki with ranchers and the county’s security team, Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo said the government was in control and assured the ranchers of their personal and property security.
The government has deployed 339 officers and an armoured vehicle in Laikipia to carry out security operations to drive out illegal grazers from private ranches.
The officers will join their colleagues at Mugie, Suyian, Kifuko, Ol Maisor and Mutara ranches in Laikipia West where thousands of herds of cattle have been grazing illegally.
Speaking after a meeting in Nanyuki with ranchers and the county’s security team, Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo said the government was in control and assured the ranchers of their personal security and that of their property.
Mr Musiambo said 200 police officers, 139 police reservists and one armoured vehicle have been deployed to counter herders.
He said illegal grazers have been invading private ranches in search of pasture following prevailing drought.
Some of the grazers are from the neighbouring counties of Samburu, Baringo and Isiolo while others are locals.
Mr Musiambo warned the herders against invading private land, saying that they have no permission to transverse the ranches without written agreements with the owners.
He also claimed politicians are inciting their communities to occupy the ranches and said they will face the law.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu said the county and the national government will not relent until all illegal herders are driven out of the ranches.
He said tension is high in the region “after politicians begun inciting grazers on land issues and creating a belief that they own the lands”.
Speaking on behalf of the ranchers, Martin Evans of Ol Maisor Ranch said the government is not committed to evicting the herders.
Mr Evans said the grazers have caused environmental degradation.
He advised the government to buy animals from the herders and leave them with few that can be managed at their ancestral lands and discourage pastoralism.
Last month, suspected illegal grazers shot Laikipia West Officer Commanding Police Division Moherai Kibwabwa and a General Service Unit officer in the county.
