This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
On October 4, 2019, the government announced an operation to remove pastoralists who had driven their camels onto private lands in Kitui County, leading to violent clashes and loss of life, livestock, and property.
Eastern Regional Coordinator Isaiah Nakoru stated that the government would not tolerate the invasion of private lands by herders from neighboring counties, who often disregarded established cultural procedures for grazing livestock.
Nakoru emphasized that elders from both communities must engage in amicable talks to agree on the use of grazing resources, but warned that those who failed to follow the procedures would be arrested.
He specifically mentioned that herders who had driven their livestock into the Kitui Game Reserve would be targeted, as well as individuals who had set up homes and camps within the reserve.
The regional security head also ordered residents with illegal firearms to surrender them, warning that the government would use force to retrieve them if necessary.
Interior CS Fred Matiangi had previously met with political leaders from the pastoral community and those of Kitui county to discuss the grazing field dispute.
