Interior Cabinet Secretary General Joseph Nkaiserry(Rtd). He has said that the insecurity in Laikipia County is also to be blamed on local politicians.[Photo/The Star]
Internal Security Cabinet secretary, Joseph Nkaiserry, has said that the banditry being witnessed in parts of Laikipia County can, to some extent, be blamed on the area's local politicians.
In a press conference on Monday, the CS said that politicians are to blame for the criminal activities as they have incited locals into forcing their way into privately owned ranches in search of pasture for their livestock.
''Local politicians have also contributed to the situation by inciting locals to break into ranches which are owned by private entities,'' said the CS.
Nkaissery further said that the government is on the case and has deployed enough manpower to bring the menace to a halt further saying that all those brought to book will face dire consequences.
On his side, his tourism counterpart Najib Balala urged tourists who might be planning to tour the region not to worry as their safety is guaranteed by the government.
''I want to urge tourists not to fear touring the Laikipia region, the government is handling the situation,'' said Balala.
The government said that until Monday, it had successfully managed to drive illegal herders out of several ranches.
The herders have been involved in brutality by shooting and killing people, wild animals and torching lodges and cottages in a bid to fend for their animals as drought continues biting.