Governor, two MPs grilled over conflict between herders and ranch owners in Taita Taveta

Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja was yesterday grilled by detectives over the longstanding conflict between residents and camel herders.

Samboja appeared before the detectives at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Nairobi in the company of Senator Jones Mwaruma and Mwatate MP Andrew Mwadime.

Local Woman Rep Lydia Haika failed to show up as a result of what she termed as confusion. Samboja explained she (Ms Haika) thought she was wanted in Voi and not in Nairobi.

And for the second time, seven MCAs failed to appear before the DCI as expected to record statements over the same matter. Police said they are evaluating their next course of action.

Samboja said he appeared before head of economics crime unit Michael Sang who is leading investigations into claims of incitement to violence in the area.

“I took them through the saga and we recorded our statements and later we were asked to maintain peace. We’ll wait for the rest,” he said.

The DCI is investigating allegations of incitement following the dispute that erupted in Sagalla in June between herders and residents that led to the death of a farmer.