Four killed in raid near Meru-Isiolo border .

An anti-stock theft patrol unit. Igembe North MP Joseph M’Eruaki has called for more police patrols in the wake of violence linked to cattle rustling. FILE PHOTO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• The retaliatory attack by raiders follows the killing of a herder from Isiolo on Monday.
• During the incident, 150 goats were also stolen.

By DAVID MUCHUI
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By DICKSON MWITI
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Four people were shot dead at Kabachi in Igembe North on Thursday in retaliatory violence between two communities.

The bodies of three farmers and a herder who were at their farms near the Meru-Isiolo border were recovered on Friday morning.

The retaliatory attack by raiders follows the killing of a herder from Isiolo on Monday. His body was recovered on Thursday morning at Gambela after a three day search.

During the incident, 150 goats were also stolen.

Speaking to the Nation via telephone, Kirambii Kambicha, a herder from Gachiuru said the four were killed on Thursday night.

“They struck after the body of the missing herder was recovered. They also claimed that the stolen goats were taken towards Meru county leading to the revenge attacks,” Mr Kambicha said.

He said residents had reported the matter at Mutuati Police Station.

Mutuati deputy police boss Jane Andanje said the bodies were taken to Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary.

She said a security meeting would be held on Tuesday next week between Meru and Isiolo Counties to resolve the dispute.

INCREASE PATROLS

Igembe North MP Joseph M’Eruaki said that it was unfortunate for the families that lost their loved ones.

“We need the police to increase patrols in this area. We will also be pushing for more police reservists to guard the livestock. We lost 65 cattle last month which are yet to be recovered,” he said.

A meeting between herders and security officers has been set for Monday next week at Gachiuru to address the conflict.

Meru Herders chairman John Ntiritimi said the increase in cases of cattle rustling has been fuelled by the onset of the rains.

“Since the rains have started, communities that uphold the culture of cattle rustling want to replenish their stocks. We have been reporting the cases to the police without much action. We need to see this vice stopped,” Mr Ntiritimi said.

He said suspected cattle rustlers have been stealing livestock from Isiolo County and driving them into Meru to mislead the security officers.

“Cattle rustlers know that animals are tracked by following footprints. They steal animals from our neighbours and drive them through Meru so that we can be blamed. We are calling on security officers to get to the root of this matter. The criminals should be brought to book,” he said.

Meru County Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga said security patrols have been intensified in in the region following the attacks.

He disputed claims that police officers have been abetting cattle rustling in the area.

“Many cattle have been moved to Bulu and Ndumuru areas because there is sufficient pasture. Grazing committees have been formed to ensure the movement of herders from communities in the area are well monitored. This is intended to help avert and solve conflicts,” Mr Nyagwanga said.

Herders called on the Meru county government to fast track the establishment of a community wildlife conservancy to tame cattle rustling.

Thirty rangers trained by the Kenya Wildlife Service through a Meru county initiative are assisting security efforts in the area.