Gov’t to flush out illegal herders in Laikipia

The national government has assured ranchers in Laikipia that it will conduct operations in the whole county to flush out illegal herders.

Speaking after a meeting in Nanyuki with the ranchers and security team from Laikipia, Central Rift Regional Coordinator, Wanyama Musyambu, said that the illegal herders from the neighbouring counties have been invading the ranches illegally in search of pasture due to the prolonged dry spell.

The coordinator also reported that they have deployed 200 police officers, 139 National Police Reservists and one armored vehicle to counter the herders since they are armed with superior weapons.

Wanyama warned the herders against invading private lands saying that they have no permission to transverse the ranches without a written agreement with the owners.

He also cautioned the politicians who are inciting their communities to occupy the ranches saying they will face full force of the law.

Laikipia Governor, Joshua Irungu, echoed similar remarks saying his government and the national government will not relent until all the illegal herders are flushed out from the ranches.

He said that all the ranches have owners and warned politicians against incitement adding that this will increase insecurity in the area.

Ranchers Chairman, Evans Kennedy, said they will cooperate with the government to flash the herders out.

Written by Erick Kombo