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{
"id": 1195775,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1195775/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Kinyua",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 13202,
"legal_name": "John Kinyua Nderitu",
"slug": "john-kinyua-nderitu-2"
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"content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No. 52(1) to make a Statement on a matter of general topical concern, namely; the plight of farmers whose crops are being destroyed by the ongoing illegal grazing in Laikipia County. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Laikipia County boasts of spectacular wildlife and majestic scenery, and has long been on the country’s tourist circuit, as it sits against the backdrop of Mt. Kenya. However, due to the debilitating drought situation currently prevailing in the country, pastoralists are illegally bringing tens of thousands of cattle to private and community lands in search of water and grazing lands, often bringing them into conflict with landowners and displacing wildlife. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, these illegal grazers have been grazing on private farms, destroying crops in parts of Matwiku, Rubere Mirango, Githima, Wagwachi, Muramati, Thome, Mutangara, Survey and Olmoran. Though the animals are driven away by security forces, they are often brought back immediately, much to the chagrin of the farmers. When they come in, they smash fences, buildings, security houses, solar panels, electric energizers and all other forms of infrastructure. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the issue of illegal grazing is nothing new to Laikipia County. As far back as 2016, there have been altercations between owners of private ranches and farmlands in the County and these illegal herders. One of the worst instances was in 2017, where these invasions saw thousands of cattle stolen and ranchers injured or killed and lodges destroyed by invaders, thereby affecting the tourism business in the region. Indeed, in March of that same year, Tristan Voorspoy, a former British army officer, was shot dead by herders as he inspected some of his lodges. Suyian and Loisaba lodges were the most affected before security officers contained the situation after almost a year. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is alleged that most of these cattle belong to senior Government officials and even politicians. Perhaps, this might explain the reason for the incessant problem. Although the Government has warned herders invading private farms to graze their livestock in Laikipia County that stern action will be taken against them, this has not stopped these armed invaders, mostly from neighbouring counties, who have invaded people’s farms and conservancies with their livestock and continue grazing in the areas forcefully."
}