LAIKIPIA, Kenya, Sept 14 – Businesses came to a standstill in Rumuruti town, in Laikipia county after a group of pastoralists and farmers clashed over the invasion by a section of herders in small scale farms and ranches.
The protesters torched motorcycles, blocking major roads in the town as the two warring factions attacked each other by hurling stones.
Several people were injured during the violent confrontation and were rushed to the Rumuruti Sub County Hospital where they received treatment and were released.
“Someone was seriously cut with a machete, just here in town and when we told security officers to check what is happening they start firing live bullets on us, why?” posed a protester.
Residents say their lifeline, which is farm produce has been destroyed and even stolen despite numerous complaints filed at police stations in the area.
“Enough is enough, we will not allow things to deteriorate here to the levels we have seen in Ol Moran,”
“We have not even beaten anyone since the chaos started…what is the government doing to protect us?” said another resident
The business community says that the supply and demand of goods have greatly been impeded as they continue to count losses.
The farmers are said to have impounded several herds of cattle which led to the clashes Tuesday.
Laikipia West Deputy County Commissioner Hezron Nyaberi condemned the violence saying police will ensure law and order is maintained while the property of Kenyans is not destroyed by criminals taking advantage of the conflict.
A security operation is ongoing in Laikipia county where 10 people among them security officers were killed by suspected bandits.
A dusk to dawn curfew was declared in the area that has since been declared a disturbed and security operation zone by the government.
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