Court restrains Maasai herders from land after failed agreements

Nakuru Land court has ordered Naivasha Police Boss to ensure a section of the Maasai herders do not graze their livestock in a land owned by Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research and Organization (KALRO).

Justice Sila Munyao issued the order after KALRO claimed that Maasai herders have invaded the land and claimed ownership.

KALRO, through lawyer Geoffrey Otieno further claims that the herders have built temporary structures on the 2578 acres as a result of failure by the relevant government authorities to act and enforce the law.

"Livestock have destroyed crucial research installations and projects carried on the parcel of land. They should be restrained from entering the land to graze and general interference," argued Lawyer Otieno.

Two weeks ago, anxiety gripped the area after heavily armed police officers were deployed to evict the Isahakia community members who had allegedly encroached on the land.

Judge Sila Munyao today granted the parties several chances to reach an out of court settlement but failed prompting the judge to issue the orders to be enforced until October 14.

Pending the hearing of the case, Judge Munyao directed the parties to serve documents of the case and rule that "The OCPD Naivasha should ensure compliance of order number 1" referring to orders restraining the herders from grazing livestock or putting up structures.

During the recent evictions, over 100 police officers demolished and burnt down manyattas that been constructed by the herders on the land. Authorities also gave the herders stern warning not to return to the land.

Several tens of them flocked the court to follow the case which was cut short severally to give room for out of court resolution but the Judge's direction was futile.

The invasion has raised anxiety in the area which also host flower farms. It is alleged some politicians are inciting the community that the land is their ancestral and have been warned of arrest.