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State steps up patrols at Logoman forest

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 00:00 | By
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui addresses residents of Kapkembu location in Njoro, during a peace meeting, yesterday. Photo/PD/Raphael Munge

The government has launched a massive operation in Logoman forest and its environs in the expansive Mau Complex in Njoro sub-county to smoke out cattle rustlers.  

This follows a series of clashes between two warring communities attributed to cattle theft which has so far claimed three lives in the restive area. 

Three men were reportedly ambushed and killed  in cold-blood as they grouped to track stolen livestock on Sunday. 

Yesterday, Nakuru County Commissioner Erastus Mbui said the forest, which has been restricted from use by residents, has turned into a hideout for criminals. 

He said officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit and the Kenya Forest Service have been deployed and will collaborate with those on the ground to ensure no human activities are conducted in the forest. 

“We will not allow any activity in the forest. Those attempting to encroach it are committing an offence. There should be no disputes over its use and ownership,” warned Mbui. 

Speaking during a peace meeting in Mauche, he  maintained that no one should operate in the forest and directed Kenya Forest Service officers to intensify patrols and smoke out any person in the forest.

“We will not allow you to play a cat and mouse game with the police, anyone planning and residing inside the forest will be smoked out, these levels of barbarity will not be tolerated,” said Mbui. 

Asylum givers

The administrator further urged residents to provide information that may lead to arrests of perpetrators cautioning them against providing asylum to criminals. 

“Once a massacre happens, you will claim the government is not working, we cannot come to every home, kindly share and let us do our job,” said, adding that the government will not allow reckless killings to go on. 

“You are fighting and not seeking medical attention in hospitals and when one of you is dies that’s when you come to report,” said Mbui. 

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said it was unfortunate that people had to lose their lives to violence and urged police to arrest  the arrest and prosecute those culpable. 

“We are entering an electioneering period and any instance of insecurity here must be stopped. Some leaders may take this opportunity to get  political mileage,” he said. 

Peaceful coexistence

The governor promised to hold talks with his Narok counterpart to tame violence between warring communities at the borders insisting that residents must work with the police to end the clashes. 

He, however, dispelled allegations that the police were siding with one community adding that they are working in harmony with the county security team to streamline the sector after some residents accused police of laxity. 

Njoro MP Charity Kathambi called for a peaceful coexistence among the communities. 

She also wants the installation of more police posts in the area to tame the rising cases of insecurity saying lives are too precious. 

Kathambi said the fighting has derailed development and caused the area to suffer huge social, economic and political losses. 

Long-standing hostilities between several communities in the region have been attributed to rampant theft of cattle. Last year, top security officials warned residents to stop engaging in incitement. 

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