This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
On January 9, 2020, a deadly locust invasion hit Meru County, Kenya, just days after the insects entered the country through the southern side of Somalia.
Former Igembe Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Muturia reported that miraa farmers were in a state of panic due to the locust invasion, which was spotted in various parts of Meru County.
The locusts were seen at Ndumuru village in Ntunene ward and Kina Meru Kiutine, prompting residents to appeal to the government for immediate intervention.
Cabinet Secretary Kiunjuri tweeted, 'It is now reported that Locusts have invaded, Ndûmûru area, Meru County. This is a big tragedy that requires a swift Government action.'
Just four days prior, government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna had announced that a spray aircraft had been stationed in Wajir to deal with the locust threat.
According to Oguna, the aircraft had sprayed swathes of Wajir and Mandera, with Marsabit and Garissa next in the schedule.
He stated, 'The Desert Locust Control Operation that has been going on since the insects first crossed into the country on December 28, 2019 has been progressing smoothly with every effort directed at killing the insects and containing their possible move to other counties.'
However, the locust invasion in Meru County has raised concerns about the government's ability to contain the situation, with residents calling for swift action to prevent further crop destruction.
