Herds of cattle grazing in Laikipia County. [Photo: the-star.co.ke]
Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi asked the government to carry on with the eviction of illegal herders despite protests by some leaders.
Governor Muriithi praised the government for resuming the evictions, saying peace will be restored and sustained.
He said on Monday that the government cannot relent as all the herders must be evicted.
The county boss regretted that groups believed to be from Samburu have been going to Laikipia in large numbers.
Last Wednesday, more than 300 cows were reportedly killed during a shootout between herders and officers in Ratia, Laikipia North.
On Sunday, Laikipia county police commander Simon Kipkeu said herders attacked police on patrol.
The herders who were heavily armed used cattle as shields, Kipkeu said.The Governor asked the national government to ensure people whose farms were invaded and families of those killed are compensated.Muriithi revealed that the invasion has affected many families. He said that illegal herders have destroyed crops worth millions of shillings.
He also said illegal herders killed six police officers at Matwiku four months ago.
But police have been condemned for using excessive force against herders alleged to be invading private ranches in Laikipia.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission said officers were brutal to herders and livestock and that they also destroyed property.
Chairman Francis ole Kaparo warned on Friday that police action is likely to stir violence and spark more tension in the area.