One killed, animals stolen as raiders strike village in Tigania
Meru Governor Peter Munya during a visit to Kabachi Village in Igembe North on October 22, 2015 after raiders killed seven herders. In the latest similar incident, raiders attacked Ntangilia Village in Tigania East on October 27, 2015, killed one person and stole animals. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The injured was treated at the Meru Level Five Hospital and discharged.
- Tigania East OCPD Charles Kosgey told the Nation by phone that 18 cattle were later recovered from Turkana herders at Artillery in Isiolo.
- This latest incident came a day after NCIC brought together leaders from Meru and Isiolo counties who resolved to ensure the recovery of stolen animals.
One person was killed and another injured by cattle rustlers who stole 157 animals in Ntangilia Village in Tigania East, Meru County.
Meru North Peace committee Chairman Charles Kamwibua said about 30 armed raiders struck at 3pm on Tuesday.
The deceased has been identified as Mung’athia M’Laikanya while John Mutirithia sustained injuries on the hand.
The injured was treated at the Meru Level Five Hospital and discharged while the body of the deceased was removed to the hospital’s mortuary.
Tigania East OCPD Charles Kosgey told the Nation by phone that 18 cattle were later recovered from Turkana herders at Artillery in Isiolo.
He said peace and recovery efforts were ongoing in the area.
This latest incident came a day after the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) brought together leaders from Meru and Isiolo counties who resolved to ensure the recovery of stolen animals.
“It is very unfortunate that the incident has happened just after agreeing to end the vice and oversee the recovery of stolen animals. About 30 cattle and 127 goats were stolen,” Mr Kamwibua said.
The resolutions of the meeting by leaders read by NCIC Commissioner Joseph Nasongo directed that all stolen livestock should be returned to the owners 10 days after a raid is reported.
The leaders also resolved that security officers should apprehend criminals involved in the innocent killings of people and destruction of property.
ENHANCE UNITY AMONG PASTORALISTS
To enhance unity among the Borana, Turkana and Meru communities who depend on pastoralism for their livelihoods, elders will regularly hold peace meetings.
“There is a political hand in this conflict and politicians are advised to hold back to reduce tension among the public.
“It has also been resolved that security personnel should uphold the law when dealing with cases of cattle rustling,” said Dr Nasongo.
County Commissioners George Natembeya (Isiolo) and Wilfred Nyagwanga (Meru) also attended the meeting.
Seven people were killed and hundreds of livestock stolen at Kamweline after raiders attacked Meru herders last week.
On Tuesday, legislators from Meru County gave the government a seven-day ultimatum to end the attacks in the county.
Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, MPs Joseph M’Eruaki (Igembe North), Kinoti Gatobu (Buuri), Mr Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), Ms Florence Kajuju (Woman Representative) and Kubai Kiringo (Igembe Central) called on the government to treat the insecurity in Nyambene with the seriousness it deserves.
“We are shocked that cattle rustling has continued unabated in Meru.
“More than 500 cattle have been stolen from Meru herders and others shot dead.
“We want the government to act with speed to restore security in Meru,” Mr Murungi said.
