Groups in tussle over grazing land

Tension is high in Marigat, Baringo County, after herders from drought-stricken East Pokot invaded the area in search of pasture.

Leaders from Ilchamus led by MCAs Renson Parkei (Mukutani) Wesley Lekakimon (Ilchamus)accused their neighbours of invading their grazing land and creating tension among residents.

“There are hundreds of livestock now in my area (Mukutani) with armed pastoralists from East Pokot and the residents fearing for their lives. Some people have fled for safety,” said Parkei.

A prolonged dry spell in East Pokot, Baringo North and Marigat has forced the herding community in the region to migrate to neighbouring areas in search of pasture and water for their livestock.

The MCA said some schools have been closed down due to fear of attacks by the armed pastoralists.

“Many parents are now keeping their children at home for fear of attacks and that is why we are calling on security agencies in the area to do something,” added Parkei.

Unnecessary conflicts

Area security team led by County Commissioner Benard Leparmarai and Police Commandant Hassan Barua called on the two communities to form grazing committees to end unnecessary conflicts.

“There was a conflict at a water point in Kiserian where pastoralists from Pokot claimed they had identified some animals stolen from them by Ilchamus, but we are investigating the incident,”said Barua.

He asked any member of either community who spots an animals that he or she believes had been stolen to report to the authorities for prompt action.

Leparmarai said they have beefed up security in the area to avert confrontations between the two communities.

At the same time, Baringo leaders have condemned cattle rustling in the region.

Lead by Tiaty MP Asman Kamama, the leaders said cattle- rustling was partly to blame for the hunger crisis currently wreaking havoc in the county.

They now want the county government to come up with measures to end the age-old practice. Kamama, who is also the chairman of the Powerful House team on National Security and Administration called on the Pokot, Tugen and Ilchamus to co-exist in harmony.