Tension high as camel herders invade farms in Mwatate

Camels graze on settlement areas in Mwatate Sub County, Taita-Taveta County. [File, Standard] Tension is high in parts of Taita-Taveta County following the invasion of farms by hundreds of camels. Rong'e Ward MCA Dorcus Mlughu on Tuesday said that armed herders were harassing farmers with impunity in search of water and pasture in Chakaleri, Mwatate Sub County. Mlughu warned that the tension could escalate to a confrontation between the herders and farmers as witnessed in the past. In 2019, herders were attacked at Majengo village by angry youths in retaliation over the murder of a farmer. The incident occurred after herders killed Alex Mlambo on his farm in Sagala location. The 35-year-old farmer was stabbed to death as he tried to prevent the herders and their camels from invading his farm. In retaliation, residents slaughtered more than 60 camels valued at over Sh9 million, belonging to the herders. "The armed herders pretend that they do not know Kiswahili and English. They forcefully graze on farms where maize and other crops have been planted," Mlughu said. "The herders are grazing in community farms with the full knowledge of the security apparatus. Police have been taking too long to act," she added. The MCA urged the county and national governments to swiftly move in and flush out the herders for the sake of peace in the area. "This county has of late become an epicentre of conflict between farmers and camel herders who had allegedly driven their animals back to people's settlement areas in search of water and pasture. County Police Commander Ali Ndiema said the situation was under control and some of the cases the MCA was protesting about occurred in 2013. "The claims could be true, but I will go back to our records to find out what action was taken against those involved," said the police commander. "We have not been compromised as claimed by the legislator. We are doing everything possible to effectively deal with crime. We will only act based on reports made to the police," said Ndiema. Governor Andrew Mwadime denied claims that his administration has signed lease agreements with the herders. "We have not signed any lease agreements with the illegal herders," Mwadime said. There are claims that the herders had leased farms from locals to fatten their animals for export. "We are aware that some herders have leased local farms, and in the process of going to these farms, they destroy crops. Farmers whose crops have been destroyed should seek compensation," said a source in the country privy to the matter. "Farmers should be guided to follow the law, and those allegedly claiming to have been assaulted by the herders should report the matter to the police for action instead of keeping quiet at home," he added. At the same time, Mlughu asked the county administration to take advantage of the livestock policy to regulate illegal herding and uncontrolled movement of livestock in the region, which has become a threat to security and a source of diseases. "It has become a major challenge to contain the frequent incursion of livestock from outside. The owners of these animals are well-connected people, and some of the illegal herders are reported to be armed," said the MCA. Further, Ndiema challenged leaders to encourage residents to record statements with the police for action.

Tension high as camel herders invade farms in Mwatate

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Tension high as camel herders invade farms in Mwatate

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