Victims of cattle rustling laid to rest in Meru

Five people killed in the recent animosity between communities living along the Meru – Isiolo border were laid to rest Monday.

The five were laid to rest at the Kamaoo and Nthangarine villages in Igembe North after a service was held at the Mutuati Catholic Church.

This comes barely a week after seven herders were killed and a hundreds of cattle stolen by raiders at Kithiorone area of Igembe North.

The incident has raised tension between the Borana and Ameru communities living along the Meru and Isiolo border.

Members of Parliament from Meru County hosted by their Igembe North counterpart Joseph M’Eruaki attended the burial.

The killings took place shortly after Interior Cabinet Secretary Major (Rtd.) Joseph Nkaissery visited the area, something the MPs from Meru county say is a clear indication that the government has failed to keep its promise of halting the violence and the senseless killings.

Nkaissery had led a peace meeting in the area and was attended by elders from the warring counties.

M’Eruaki said: “The killings show that the government is not fulfilling its promises to protect the people.”

Nkaissery had warned residents that the government would respond fast enough to ensure peace is restored in the area.

On Friday, Meru residents held demonstrations along the Meru – Isiolo road to protest the rising cases of cattle rustling in the area.

However, the rustlers seem unshaken by the stern warning from the government and the protests by locals.

By Linda Naserian