Leaders clash over Meru conservancy

Two leaders have clashed over the establishment of the 640 square kilometre Nyambene Conservancy.

Speaking at Mutuati Catholic Church on Sunday, Meru Governor Peter Munya and Igembe North MP Joseph M’Eruaki accused each other of misleading the public over the issue.

Mr M’Eruaki argued that the conservancy would not bring security as purported by the county government.

“National security is the prerogative of the national government, those telling us it will serve to improve security and curb cattle rustling are lying. Why is it that these vices are still rampant in neighbouring Samburu and Isiolo counties which have more conservancies?” the MP posed.

He further claimed that the plan was a ploy to help a few individuals benefit from the upcoming Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport Corridor (Lapsset) which will pass through the area.

“The ambitious transport corridor will have an oil pipeline, railway and other infrastructure that will create a new economic zone. Seventy per cent of the land will be used up for this project. We won’t allow a few people to take up the land in the name of a conservancy,” Mr M’Eruaki said.

ACCUSED OF INCITEMENT

But Mr Munya accused the legislator of backtracking on the proposal, saying he had earlier supported it.

“In the Igembe North strategic plan that was launched some time back, you (Mr M’Eruaki) had indicated plans of setting up a similar initiative. What has changed?” he asked.

The governor accused the MP of inciting locals against the county government project while herders were being killed in the area during cattle raids.

Close to 20 people have lost their lives this year in cattle rustling-related incidents.

He, however, suggested that he would call off the project if the residents continue to oppose it.

“It is a falsehood to tell people that we are after their land. If residents do not want the conservancy it is fine with me. But then report all your issues involving cattle rustling and insecurity to your MP who has been inciting you against the project that is supposed to prevent the same,” he said.

Already, the county government has employed about 30 unarmed rangers who are stationed at the conservancy to keep watch and ward off poachers.

The rangers were picked from the Meru and Turkana communities who are familiar with the terrain of the area, according to conservancy officials.

A section of residents from Igembe North have sued the county government and want the national government to degazette the conservancy.

They have listed the Attorney-General, the Interior Ministry, Kenya Wildlife Service and the county government in the suit at the High Court.