Laikipia crisis can be resolved through dialogue, Samburu governor says

Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal is now calling on the national government to be cautious and investigate the insecurity menace in Laikipia County.

Governor Lenolkulal has expressed fears that a series of banditry attacks that prompted the government to conduct a security operation in the neighbouring county has put the lives of Samburu herders, who are in search of water and pasture for their livestock in Laikipia, at risk.

The governor, who was speaking yesterday (Wednesday 8^th March 2017) during the World International Women’s Day at the Kenyatta Stadium in Maralal, now says that the crisis in Laikipia can be resolved through dialogue between herders and the ranchers.

According to him, some of the herders had come into a mutual agreement with the ranch owners to graze their livestock in some places, adding that a few rogue herders from different communities in the region have destabilised the area.

“We urge the national government to pursue those criminals … who are currently grazing in Lakipia County, we have 50 elders from Samburu County willing to talk to the herders who are grazing in Laikipia County to maintain peace,” said the governor.

In an event meant to celebrate women – World International Women’s Day – the first lady of Samburu County, Lilly Lenolkulal, appealed to parents to avoid marrying off their girls at a young age, stressing the importance of girl child education in the society.

Edited by Majanga Michael