Environment CEC Kiogora Muriithi has condemned herders who rear livestock in urban areas for polluting the environment.
Through his Facebook status on December 27, 2015 Muriithi asked those with livestock in urban areas to let them remain in rural areas in case they don’t have farms as the livestock may at times be a menace to neighbours and even to those who own them.
"Our urbanites and the village in them! A case of a villager in town. You rent or buy a 50*100 plot in town. You live there with your family, 20 sheep, 10 cattle and 30 chicken. You graze your livestock in town's flower gardens and street and, roadsides and medians messing up environment and endangering motorists. Your neighbour in the next 50*100 plot is seriously suffocated by smells from your plot and the estate streets are an eyesore courtesy of the waste from your wealth. All in the name of fighting poverty in urban areas. When they are impounded, you run everywhere looking for assistance to be allowed to take them back to your plot. For heaven’s sake, kama huna shamba let livestock remain in the rural areas. Make a choice, whether to be an urbanite or a rural folk!" stated Kiogora Muriithi.
In response to his status, Catherine Njeri Waweru, a nominated MCA, Nakuru County admitted to being one of those who kept livestock in rural areas. She however blamed it on food insecurity.
''Guilty as charged! !!!!!! I blame it on food insecurity,'' stated Waweru.
On the other hand, one of those who commented on his status blamed Muriithi for not acting upon the issue whereby she added that the said issue was happening in his area.
''Kiongozi, that is your area and when it happens you are to blame. Put those words into action. Air pollution all over. What of Gioto Dumpsite? 2016 into action,'' said Wanjiru Gathia.
Some of those who commented on the status concurred with Muriithi saying the rearing of livestock in urban areas causes distress to most people.
''This is abuse of both human and animal rights besides being cruel to your neighbours for denying them their right to a healthy and clean environment. This has caused distress to most people who wonder whether they will continue living in cattle sheds or in homes,'' added Wambugu Wa Muchemi.