Kidero Allows Maasai Herders to Graze in Nairobi CBD

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero on Wednesday issued a controversial order that allowed Maasai herders to graze their livestock in every place in the city, including in the CBD.

Kidero made the surprise permission on condition that the herders will keep off the Kidero grass which has been a key part of the governor’s legacy.

The Nairobi governor stated that the city is built on the Maasai’s ancestral land, adding that he would not allow any unfair eviction of the herders.

"I know previously your cows have been kept off from the city and I appreciate that whenever you have grass elsewhere you don't come to the city centres. Now I am allowing you to graze in every part of the city where there is grass. But ensure they don't trample on Kidero grass or flowers," Kidero declared.

Kidero spoke while meeting some of the herders at Darfur Area in South C’s Darfur-Dopoto area.

Among the areas where the herders have settled in the recent weeks are South C, Karen, Utawala, and Wilson Airport area near Lang’ata.

The governor, who is currently campaigning for his re-election, placed blame on the National Land Commission Chairman, Muhammad Swazuri – accusing him of grabbing land from the Maasai.

Swazuri ni mkora (Swazuri is a crook). He had been colluding with land grabbers to get title deeds for this land and push for compensation to the unlawful owners," Kidero alleged.