State ban grazing livestock in Logoman Forest

Cattle grazing in a forest. [File, Standard]

The Government has banned grazing of livestock in Logoman Forest following rising cases of cattle rustling.

Njoro deputy County Commissioner Kennedy Lunalo said the forest, which forms part of the Mau Complex, had turned into a hideout for criminals.

“Police have been instructed to flush out all illegal grazers from the forest. Anyone found defying the Government shall be arrested and charged,” said Mr Lunalo.

Over the weekend, four suspected cattle rustlers were arrested by officers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and two bulls recovered.

Residents prefer to grow maize, potatoes, peas and vegetables inside the forest because it receives regular rainfall.

“We have been engaging communities and holding peace meetings to prevent insecurity but the initiatives have not been a success. Nobody is allowed to conduct economic activities in the forest,” Lunalo said.

The administrator said the ASTU team was deployed last week to comb through the forest following claims that 25 cows had been stolen from one community.

“Chiefs from Kapkembu in Mauche division, and Entiany in Orkusto in Narok North, are also working with ASTU officers to recover more cows and arrest other suspects linked to the cattle-rustling syndicate.”

Long-standing hostilities between several communities in the region have been attributed to the rampant theft of cows.

Last month, top security officials held a peace meeting at Wiitemere in Likia and warned residents to stop engaging in incitement.

“A major cause of chaos in villagers affected by cattle rustling has been falsehoods about the theft of livestock that are never verified. This easily result in fights, injuries, death and loss of property,” said Lunalo.

MCA Philip Rotich asked the National Land Commission to resolve border disputes between Nakuru and Narok counties to end insecurity.