Konza society members angered by herdsmen

By Victor Nzuma.

Hundreds of members of the Konza ranching society marched up to the Machakos county commissioner's office to demand why herdsmen who had invaded the farm had not quit despite expiry of a notice served.

Led by the society's chairman Mr David Mutangili, the protesting members on Monday took the commissioner Mrs Ann Gakuria  by surprise who was forced to hurriedly convene a district security committee meeting in her office.

The members said already they had mobilised their sons to arm themselves and force out the herdsmen from the farm.

The commissioner invited the members to the district security committee meeting which was attended by the Machakos DC Mr Manguta and the DCIO Mr Kabete Kaloba among others.

At the stormy meeting, Konza members told the security committee that they were prepared for the worst since the government had declined to assist them.

After a lengthy discussion with disagreements, the meeting came to conclusion that by January 18, the government will have ensured all the herdsmen have left  the ranch.

Giving the assurance to the rowdy members, the commissioner warned the members against engaging in any unlawful activity that may result to bloodshed.

''The government cannot allow you to take the law into your own hands since it has a machinery to carry out the operation and ensure the invaders are driven out'' said the commissioner amid protests from the members.

The DC added that the two sides were to blame since some of the members are alleged to have allowed the herdsmen to the ranch at a certain fee.

But the chairman refuted the claims.

''This is the work of brokers who have made a kill out of our farm by soliciting bribes from the herdsmen purporting “, the chairman said.