Garissa herders now want KWS officers from Meru to stop the destruction of property and arrests

Pastoralist from balambala subcounty while addressing the media in Garissa town. (kulanpost)

BY: Adan Mohamed

GARISSA—Kenya Wildlife Services officers are on the spot over claims of unlawful arrests, destruction of property  and detention of underaged children at Balambala, Garissa County.

Addressing the press, pastoralists groups said the wildlife agency subjected them to untold suffering while drought ravages their livestock.

Mr Adhan Ibrahim, one of the victims of the alleged KWS harrassment called on the government to launch probe into the matter since they deserve fair treatment.

“We ask the government for protection from the officers…pastoralist have now crossed to the park in pursuit of pasture and water for their animals” Adhan said.

Pastoralist in Danyere, Balambala constituency have walked their animals into the parks causing the rangers to react.

“Are we not Kenyans when the wildlife agency treat us like terrorist scaring us and our animals with planes?” he asked.

Mr Dubat Amey, the chairman of Garissa Livestock addressing the press over the matter. (kulan post)

Garissa livestock chairman Mr Dubat Amey condemned the harrasement, saying they will not accept rogue officers to misuse their power by destroying properties.

“You cannot scare the animals with helicopters and arrest the herders,” he said.

He added that over 2000 people in the area are on the verge of famine and asked the governemnt to channel resources into helping them, not harming them.

Mrt Dubat Amey called on Garissa governor, Ali Bunow to intervene and resolve the matter.