Laikipia ranchers have protested against the invasion of their land by illegal grazers. Last week, hundreds of herders invaded ranches in search of food and water for their animals. The most affected ranches are Jennings farm in Rumuruti, Mugie, Laikipia Nature and Conservancy and Suiyan.
Jennings farm owner Lucy Jennings yesterday claimed the herders had destroyed hundreds of acres of her land and had even constructed shelters. She said the invasion was causing tension in the area after police officers killed one of the illegal grazers last week and confiscated over 500 animals. Ms Jennings said the herders were from the nearby Baringo and Samburu counties.
The rancher has appealed to the Government to drive the herders out of private ranches. Laikipia West Deputy County Commissioner Benedict Munywoki said the Government was aware of the new invasions and that action would be taken. More than 2,000 head of cattle that were illegally grazing in private ranches and Government land have been driven out. Laikipia County Commissioner Onesmas Kyatha yesterday said the livestock were driven away by security officers to the Laikipia-Samburu and Isiolo borders.
Ranchers and farm owners, led by Laikipia Farmers Association Chairman Martin Evans, had raised the alarm over the invasion, noting that the trend could affect their business, particularly during the festive season.
[Article source: The Standard, by James Munyeki and Jacinta Mutura]
