Mohamed Abdi who lost 70 camels in the incident receives his cheque from Livestock and Agriculture CS Willy Bett in Bura Constituency, Tana River County. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
The government on Tuesday issued cheques worth more than Sh8.8 million to herders who lost their camels after security officers shot and killed them.The herders lost 126 camels which were killed by security officers patrolling a disputed border area between Tana River and Kitui counties in May.Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett presented the cheques to the eight affected herders in a ceremony held at Bangale trading centre in Tana River County, with the herders receiving Sh70,000 per camel.Bett said the government is aware of the suffering the herders are experiencing after losing their only source of livelihood.“We are aware of the suffering the pastoralists are going through during this dry spell. And for them to lose their only remaining herd is painful and unacceptable,” said Bett.The camels belonged to the Somali Community living in Tana River and were killed during a longstanding border dispute between residents of the two counties, which led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.Bura MP Ali Wario while welcoming the move said the money will help the herders to pick up the pieces and resume their normal lives.“It is a huge relief for me as a leader and the community. The killings were the lowest moment in my political career, but today I can say that the government has changed my perception,” said Wario.Mohamed Abdi, who lost 70 camels, received Sh4.4 million, the highest amount, while Mr Ibrahim Taqal got Sh2.9 million for his 40 camels.“I cannot hide my joy and appreciation to the government. After the incident, I was devastated. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the government could compensate us,” said Abdi.