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State security evicted herders and livestock from Mutura ADC farm in Laikipia County, despite a court order. [Michael Saitoti, Standard]
Pastoralists relying on pasture and water at the vast Mutura Agriculture Development Corporation (ADC) farm in Laikipia County faced a severe setback after security agencies evicted them from the ranch.
The herders, already battling drought to sustain their livestock, were forced to leave 13,000 acres allocated for grazing and watering their animals.
Authorities ignored a court order in their favour, which had instructed the management of the farm to halt the eviction until drought conditions improved.
The herders had taken legal action against an eviction notice issued by farm management, citing drought as the reason.
State security evicted herders and livestock from Mutura ADC farm in Laikipia County, despite a court order. [Michael Saitoti, Standard]
However, on Tuesday, armed security personnel in armoured vehicles stormed the farm, destroyed homes, set motorbikes on fire, and dispersed livestock during a forceful eviction.
Nicholas Leiroya, one herder affected, reported livestock losses during the eviction.
"As herders, we leased 13,000 acres of the 63,000-acre ranch for grazing. But the management has brought in a private individual who has leased 50,000 acres. We suspect this person is behind the eviction," Leiroya claimed.
Laikipia West Deputy County Commissioner, David Boen, said he was aware of the eviction but is new to the area, having recently been posted there.
State security evicted herders and livestock from Mutura ADC farm in Laikipia County, despite a court order. [Michael Saitoti, Standard]
"I am not fully familiar with all the details of the ADC farm since my posting is recent. If there is a court order preventing the eviction, it must be respected," he stated without further details.
A court order issued by Lady Justice L Mbugua of the Environment and Lands Court in Laikipia stayed the eviction.
Community leader Sylvester Lekoli alleged that the private developer conspired with security agencies to evict herders so he could acquire the land.
"The eviction is illegal. Over the past two weeks, our homes have been raided, livestock stolen, eight motorbikes destroyed, and one person shot in the hand. We were only here during the drought, planning to move once the rains started. We call on the government to intervene," Lekoli told the Standard.
Elias Lengupae, another herder, explained that they moved to the ADC farm to escape the drought.
State security evicted herders and livestock from Mutura ADC farm in Laikipia County, despite a court order. [Michael Saitoti, Standard]
"We are not here to take over the land. Our goal is to save our livestock from drought. We urge the government to step in," Lengupae said.
Another herder, Simon Lesori, expressed concern about the lack of alternative grazing land.
"We ask the ADC management to allow us to stay until the rains come. We have no interest in claiming the land," he stated.
