Herds of cattle that were killed in Laikipia county on Wednesday (photo|the standard digital)
The National Police Service has defended the livestock killings in Laikipia county claiming that illegal herders used the livestock as a shield during a scuffle with the police.
In a statement issued to newsrooms, the National Police Service issued a statement on a shootout in Laikipia denying accusations of wanton killing of the livestock."The truth is, we've had invasion and occupation of privately owned property in Laikipia by hundreds of illegal and often heavily armed herders from neighboring counties encouraged by known politicians," read part of the statement."In execution of our mandate to maintain law and order, the police and other security agencies launched a security operation to drive out illegal herders from the county. In the last few week, some herders returned and forced their way into some private ranches," continues the statement."Attempts to drive them out resulted in a shootout with police as the herders sought refuge among the livestock. Many of the livestock were killed and it is this incident that is being referred to the as wanton killing of livestock Nothing could be further from the truth. The livestock were simply caught in the crossfire because they chose to use the cows as their shield," added Inspector General Boinnet.During the incident that occurred on Wednesday, more than 300 cows were killed in the police operation to drive out the purported illegal herders.