A section of leaders from Laikipia County has pledged to work together in an effort to restore normalcy and order following persistent conflicts involving farmers and illegal grazers searching for pasture for their livestock.
The leaders claimed that drought should not be used as an excuse to invade other people’s farms and hence asked members of the pastoral community who have migrated to the area to respect other people’s property.
Governor Joshua Irungu, County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri, Senator John Kinyua and County Women Representative Jane Kagiri noted that Laikipia County was one of the regions identified as among those adversely affected by the ravaging drought and hence called for concerted efforts by the government and other stakeholders to cushion victims of hunger.
Speaking during celebrations to mark Mashujaa day at Rumuruti stadium, the County Commissioner warned that armed illegal grazers will not be spared and would be met with equal force by security agencies.
He directed chiefs and their assistants to work together with National Police Reservists (NPR) to contain the menace.
On his part, Governor Irungu said his administration was committed to implementing critical water projects to enable residents to harvest and store rainwater.
He said it would be unfortunate to lose lives as a result of hunger and hence expressed his commitment to helping supply relief food to the most hunger-stricken families.
Governor Irungu praised the collaboration with the National Government in addressing insecurity challenges facing the county.
He also underscored the need for peaceful coexistence adding the government was working on rehabilitating security roads along its borders with neighbouring counties.
Senator Kinyua and the governor called on the National Government to increase the number of National Police Reservists in an effort to ensure an easy response to insecurity reports and ensure the safety of local people.
Kinyua at the same time cautioned Nyahururu Water and Sanitation Company against over-charging the re-connection fee for its customer terming Sh1, 000 being charged by the water company as exorbitant.
By Martin Munyi
