Meru police launch disarmament drive

A major security operation to retrieve illegal firearms in Meru County will begin Tuesday, County Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga has said.

This directive comes in the wake of escalating cattle rustling incidents and clashes between the Meru and Isiolo communities on the border between the two counties that have led to the deaths of more than 10 people in the past two weeks.

“We believe those who were not ready to seek authority from the committee are the ones bringing illegal firearms into the region, which are used to intimidate other herders, take their animals and in some (cases) kill them," he said.

Mr Nyagwanga called on residents in possession of illegal firearms to ensure they register them before the disarmament starts.

This follows a directive issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery in Gambela on Saturday.

Mr Nyagwanga, addressing the media after chairing a security meeting at Mutuati Secondary School in Igembe North, said the county security team had put in place strategies to ensure peace prevailed in all the grazing areas.

INSECURITY INCIDENTS

He added that there was a communication challenge in the area that made it difficult for herders to report insecurity incidents to the security officers on time.

However, he said he was working with respective stakeholders to find a solution.

At the same time, three chiefs have been suspended following persistent cattle rustling on the Meru-Isiolo border that left a herder injured and several animals stolen on Sunday.

Mr Nyagwanga said he took disciplinary action against the two chiefs and one assistant chief over dereliction of duties.

He said the herder was injured by a stray bullet as police engaged suspected raiders in a shoot-out in Naathu, Igembe North.

The incident occurred while five victims of cattle rustling raids were being laid to rest at Mutuati.

"We were driving out all animals from near the farms. Some criminals engaged police officers in a shoot-out, leading to the injury of one herder," he said.

More than 50 head of cattle were stolen on Saturday and Sunday evening in Tigania East.

36 CATTLE STOLEN

Additionally, Meru North Herders chairman John Ntiritimi said 36 cattle were stolen on Sunday evening in Ntangilia Village.

Mr Nyagwanga told the Nation by phone that police had launched an operation to drive out herders from farms.

The County Commissioner said the operation to remove illegal herders has started on the Meru-Isiolo border and is led by police officers in collaboration with the administrators on the ground.

“I urge all the chiefs and their assistants to take this operation seriously. Serious action will be taken against those who do not comply.”

He further said that the presence of animals on people's farms was the origin of all the conflicts that have been experienced in the region.

He said people from other counties seeking to graze their animals in the county should get clearance from the area's peace committee.

Police officers have been deployed to Ndumuru and Gachuuru, which were the most affected by cattle rustling.