Cattles in Samburu. Photo/the-star.co.ke
Samburu leaders have requested an urgent meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta on Laikipia grazing issues following months of unrest between herders and private ranch owners.
According to the leaders, the issue is now being used as a campaign tool by a section of politicians.
Led by Nominated Senator Naisula Lesuuda, the leaders said wrangles between ranchers and herders only arise in election years.
Lesuuda said ranchers have been holding peaceful meetings with Pokot and Samburu herders and have resolved that pastoralists should graze their livestock without being harassed by security officers.
"We are not saying the President must intervene. We are not giving a condition but something must be done. Ranchers are working with police who are complicating our work of convincing the people that they should vote for Uhuru," she said.
She added they will have difficulties campaigning for Uhuru until the matter is settled.
"I call upon the President, the internal security minister and all others involved to stop the operations in Laikipia," she said.