Political leaders accused of fuelling conflict in Meru

Political leaders accused of fuelling conflict in Meru

Njuri Ncheke elders have criticised political leaders from Borana and Ameru communities following the apparent laxity that has led to growing cases of insecurity in Mount Kenya region.

This comes barely a day after Royal Media Services radio station Muuga Fm highlighted the problems emerging between the Borana herders and Ameru farmers at Kaciuru in Igembe North where the attacks from both sides of the community have left several farmers dead and others in hospital.

The chairman of the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders Patrick Ntoacieta Ntoamwiri called on the national and county governments to work on solving the situation by solving the emerging conflicts in the region.

The regional chairman for Njuri Cheke Linus Kathera said that the problem experienced is brought by the senior officers in the government who give direct orders to police commandants since they own livestock.

He alleged that political leaders are using their powers and authority to demean and intimidate the farmers who send their animals in farms formerly owned by them.

Earlier, a peace meeting was convened at Kamweline police station between the leaders from Garbatula in Isiolo County and Igembe North where the elders resolved that herders should go back to their earlier settlements.

Two days ago, two houses were set ablaze by the herders at Njarune with families fleeing to Kamweline village over safety concerns.

The incident comes barely three months after a herder was killed and 116 goats stolen by cattle rustlers at Ngarui Village in Tigania East Sub-County, Meru County.

The armed raiders were reported to have shot dead a herder, Thomas Mwilaria, before stealing the goats.

Meru Herders Chairman John Ntiritimi said the increase in cases of cattle rustling can be attributed to lack of enough security personnel and negligence by police office.

“We have been reporting the cases to the police but without much action. We need to see this vice stopped,” Ntiritimi said.

The chairman of Peace Steering Committee Kamwibua also called on the county government to speed up the establishment of a wildlife conservancy in the area so as to end cattle rustling.

“There are more than 21,000 cattle in the northern grazing zone. This number of livestock is significant for the economy of the county and the devolved government must plan for the pastoral community to end regular conflicts,” Kamwibua said.

 

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meru njuri ncheke Police Officers borana

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