Security agencies are on high alert to avert any cause of conflict and insecurity as the country prepares to go the August General elections, DCI Ndegwa Muhoro has said.
Speaking in Nakuru after meeting with Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo, Muhoro assured Kenyans of peace and security before, during and after elections. “Senior security officers are on tour to variuos regions in the country to access the elections preparedness by our officers. From here i will head to Nandi and Kitale.”
Muhoro said. Sections of Rift Valley region are mapped as hotspot due to boundaries dispute, cattle rustling and community conflict due to ravinging grought. “The situation is calm and we have not hotspots mapped as security threat but our officers are alert to stem any sign of insecurity or tension.” He added.
Meanwhile, Muhoro put police are under firm instructions to deal with criminals invading private ranches in Laikipia county. Muhoro said that in as much as there is drought in the country, no one is allowed to invade private farms with an excuse of looking for pasture.
“The law should be followed and obeyed to the latter. No one should invade private ranches because the law will take its course,” He added. His remarks come after a lodge situated in Suyian Ranch in Laikipia North was been closed indefinitely following an invasion by herders on Sunday.
The herders said to be from the Samburu community reportedly forced themselves into the ranch with their livestock in search of pasture and burnt down the lodge and the main gate. The herders reportedly tried to harass visitors and shot at elephants in the ranch, prompting a fierce fire exchange between them and the police.
One of the herders was shot dead during the fire exchange prompting more aggression. The 44,000-acre ranch is home to the largest concentrations of wildlife in the Laikipia ecosystem and is owned by Mr Gilfred Powys, the chairman of Laikipia ranchers. The ranch is one of the biggest in the county.
The lodge that was burnt down belonged to Mr Powys’ daughter, Ms Anne Powys. He said that the tours are of the same kind as the one conducted by the inspector general of police Joseph Boinett in north eastern, Malindi and Tana River recently.
