A burning property in Laikipia. Photo/allafrica
President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned Laikipia leaders fomenting violence ahead of August elections that they would be met with the full force of the law, and promised the restive county of a peaceful election.
“Those thinking that they will incite violence, community against community, that they will cause trouble – let me tell them, they are dreaming,” the President told mourners at the funeral of political icon GG Kariuki, the Laikipia Senator who died two weeks ago.
“It will not happen. We will not let you. You will see, you will see tough action,” the President said of politicians blamed for conflicts over grazing land, as well as attacks on private ranches in Laikipia.
President Kenyatta said that individuals would also not be allowed to invade private land and destroy private property in the name of politics or protecting tribal interests.
The President spoke as leaders at the funeral called for a meeting of leaders from Laikipia, Samburu, Turkana and Baringo to try to find a lasting solution to perennial conflicts among mainly pastoralist communities in the region.
He urged both leaders and residents to uphold dialogue in addressing challenges facing the region instead of engaging in violence and lawlessness.