Herders in Meru ask more security at border to stop banditry
AP officers guard animals at Isiolo Stadium on October 18, 2016. On January 12, 2017, herders were attacked at the Meru/Isiolo border and 400 animals stolen by bandits suspected to be from Isiolo. PHOTO | VIVIAN JEBET | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- According to police reports, at least 300 animals were recovered the same day in the afternoon. No one has been arrested.
Herders from Tigania East want security heightened at the border of Meru and Isiolo to prevent further raids.
On Thursday, herders were attacked and 400 animals stolen by bandits suspected to be from Isiolo.
Police reservists exchanged fire with the bandits leading to the deaths of three cattle.
No one was injured during the incident.
According to police reports, at least 300 animals were recovered the same day in the afternoon. No one has been arrested.
Police and reservists from Tigania East are still tracking down the remaining animals.
Adrian Mworia, a resident, said the government has failed to shield the Meru community living at the border from cattle thieves.
The herders suspect that the attackers were on a revenge mission following claims that five of their animals were stolen last week by Meru herders.
“We reported the attack immediately to [the] area chief and the police but they took long to react,” Mr Mworia said.
Isiolo North parliamentary aspirant Lucy Mworia, who visited the scene, called on the government to establish a police post in the area to curb cattle theft.
