The Lands Court in Nakuru has directed the Naivasha police boss to ensure a section of herders do not graze in a land parcel hosting a government research organisation's crucial facilities.
Justice Sila Munyao issued the order on Wednesday after the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research and Organisation (KALRO) claimed that Maasai herders have invaded the land and claimed ownership.
KALRO, through lawyer Geoffrey Otieno further claims that the herders have built temporary structures on part of the 2,578-acre piece of land.
“Livestock have destroyed crucial research installations and projects carried on the parcel of land. They should be restrained from entering the land to graze and general interference,” argued the lawyer.
Judge Sila Munyao on Wednesday granted the parties several chances during the hearing to reach an out of court settlement, which failed prompting the judge to issue the orders to be enforced until October 14.
Pending the hearing of the case, Judge Munyao directed the parties to serve documents of the case and ruled that “The OCPD Naivasha should ensure compliance of order number 1” referring to orders restraining the herders from grazing livestock or putting up structures.
Two weeks ago, heavily armed police officers were deployed to evict the Isahakia community members who had allegedly encroached on the land.
During the recent evictions, over 100 police officers demolished and burnt down manyattas that been constructed by the herders on the land. Authorities also gave the herders stern warning not to return to the land.
Several herders flocked the court to follow the case on Wednesday that was adjourned severally to give room for an out of court resolution, but the Judge’s attempt to pacify them proved futile.