A section of residents in Mbaruk village in Gilgil want to be compensated after their crops were destroyed by a herd of cattle that strayed on their farms.
The residents want local leaders to intervene and compel the Maasai herdsmen to pay for the destruction. Over 100 cattle allegedly strayed into the farms on Tuesday, destroying acres of maize, beans and potatoes.
Angry residents impounded the cattle and took them to Mbaruk police station where they demanded the arrest of the owners.
Speaking to the press, area chief Joseph Kimani said the local administration has called for an urgent meeting to address the problem.
He said the authorities want to engage the residents and the owners of the cattle to avoid conflict.
“The damage was severe and we have called for an urgent meeting to address the problem,” Kimani said.
He said cases of cattle straying to private firms and destroying crops are common and urged pastoralists to be careful as they graze their animals.
The animals are being held at the Mbaruk police station awaiting the decision of the meeting between the Maasai herders, the local administrators and the affected residents.