Jubilee Party-allied lawmakers engaged in a heated exchange on the floor of the National Assembly on Thursday as they discussed the recent killing of cows in Laikipia by the Police.
The MPs clashed over the shooting that took place on Wednesday last week in Olmoran, Laikipia County.
Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko accused the Government of committing economic sabotage against pastoralist communities.
She stated: “We are going through pain and trauma as pastoralists. This is like uprooting coffee or tea in Central Kenya. It is hurting to lose such a huge number of livestock through bullets. It is unthinkable and unimaginable.”
Laikipia West MP Patrick Mariru shifted the blame to herders from neighboring counties whom he accused of invading private farms.
[caption caption="Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko"]
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“This issue has been going on for many years. It is good that it has found its way into this House. Why do the herders look for pastures, while armed with guns? Who will speak for those small-scale farmers who have suffered at the hands of the herders?” Mariru questioned.
He claimed that in recent times, over 50 people, including six policemen, had died at the hands of armed herdsmen.
While reports indicated that up to 300 cows had been shot, Laikipia County Commissioner Onesmus Musyoki disputed the figure, alleging that only 75 cows were killed.
[caption caption="Laikipia West MP Patrick Mariru"]
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Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has demanded compensation for the owners of the slain cows.
He stated: "The Masai nation relies on cows as an economic activity. The death of our cows is a destruction of our economy."
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