By Obegi Malack
Kiambu and Kajiado leaders have signed a peace deal ending days of tension caused by livestock theft at the Nachu, Ndeiya border.
During the meeting chaired by Governors Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado) and James Nyoro (Kiambu), it was agreed that all livestock stolen from both sides be returned.
The deal signed at the Bomas of Kenya was witnessed by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya, top county officials and security team.
They agreed that an Anti-Stock Theft Unit camp to be set up along the border to help end livestock theft and violence in the area.
Peace committees will also hold meetings regularly while the public will report cattle theft to police rather than armed men roaming villages to search for the stolen animals
Natembeya ordered the arrest of the cattle thieves along the border who he accused of causing unnecessary tension between the Kikuyu and Maasai communities in the area.
Natembeya ordered the deployment of more police officers in the area to keep peace and accused some officers of underperforming.
Some police officers were accused of running for dear lives when violence broke out at a recent meeting attended by top government officials leaving the public at the mercy of the youths.
Morans who were armed with spears, bows, clubs and other crude weapons chased away top government officials who were holding a meeting in the area in presence of police officers.
The leaders chased by morans included Governor Nyoro, county commissioner Wilson Wanyanga and County Police Commander Ali Nuno.
Fifteen people were injured during the chaos and so far one person has died in the area.
“The two counties have had cases of theft and we are calling on elders to curb any further violence,” Lenku said.
He added that he will help in apprehending the criminals that are escalating the theft of livestock in the area.
Nyoro said all communities must respect each other’s rights, including the right to rear livestock.
The two governors apologized for what had happened and said the two communities should live together harmoniously.
Central Region Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga, MPs Paul Koinange (Kiambaa), Kimani Ichungw’a (Kikuyu), Peter Mwathi(Limuru), Joseph Manje (Kajiado North) and George Sunkuyia ( Kajiado West) attended the meeting.