Senator Moi asks MPs not to approve budget without compensation for cattle rustling victims

Baringo senator Gideon Moi addressing residents of Emining in Mogotio sub-county on March 19,2017 during a public rally .PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

Senator Gideon Moi has asked MPs not to approve the 2017-2018 budget if Treasury does not set funds aside to compensate victims of cattle rustling.

Noting that the national government recently approved an allocation of Sh1 billion to miraa farmers, Gideon said the pleas from residents of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Samburu, who have been victims of runaway banditry, have been ignored.

“Leaders from the regions affected by banditry and in particular the Kerio Valley belt should lobby for the rejection of the budget unless money is set aside to compensate the victims,” Gideon said.

He said at least Sh3 billion must be set aside as compensation for cattle rustling victims in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu and Laikipia counties.

“It is unacceptable that politically correct statements are made when it comes to our people while for others, the Government is very quick to sort their issues out,” he said.

The senator further told the Government to ensure that there was compensation for herders whose animals were killed during an operation to drive them out of private ranches in Laikipia County.

Gideon called on his colleagues from pastoral regions in the Senate to ensure that they scrutinised the budget thoroughly to see that there was a vote to compensate for livestock, property and human lives lost in the ongoing security operations in Laikipia.

“As the Government gives Sh1 billion to miraa farmers, we are also seeking compensation for our people who have lost livestock, property and lives,” he said.

The 2017-2018 budget stands at Sh2.6 trillion.