A section of leaders from Nyamira have come into the defense of Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i following protests over insecurity in Borabu.
Protesters led by Caleb Ratemo called for the minister's resignation over what they termed as rampant insecurity coupled with cattle rustling.
Mekenene ward MCA Alfayo Ngeresa, in an exclusive interview, exonerated the minister and instead terming pressure on locals.
"There has been enhanced security in the region. The minister did deploy enough security few months ago. However, locals have refused to cooperate by exposing the thieves," he said.
His Gesima counterpart Mokaya Maroko added: "What we need to do instead of blaming the minister is naming the suspected cattle rulers."
In April, Borabu MP Ben Momanyi and Matiang'i held public Baraza's in the region. Security personnel was also increased as a remedy to cases of cattle theft.
Apparently, the outspoken minister hails from the region and at some point, thieves descended on a village hours after his meeting at Esise.