A Laikipia MCA wants President Uhuru Kenyatta to resettle residents who fled their farms due to tribal clashes and invasion by illegal herders from neighbouring counties.
Githiga MCA Peter Thomi yesterday said many farmers and landowners fled, especially from Olmoran and Kinamba.
Uhuru is expected to attend the homecoming ceremony of Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri on Saturday.
Preparations for the ceremony, to be held at the Nanyuki Stadium in Laikipia county, have started and leaders are preparing a long wish-list to present to Uhuru.
Thomi said it is important for Uhuru to address the issue of absentee landowners displaced from their farms.
He said the residents who left and landowners should be assured of safety when they return.
Thomi said some residents have land ownership documents but live as IDPs.
He said illegal grazers have taken over the land and are reluctant to move as they need pasture for their animals.
Thomi attributed the wave of insecurity in most parts of the county to absentee landowners.
More than 98,842 acres in Laikipia West is lying idle, despite having rightful owners.
The land attracts illegal grazers and criminals.
The MCA said the herders steal livestock, destroy property and crops and displace the residents.
“It is time the landowners came back and this place fully developed and properly planned,” Thomi said.
He said rampant cases of crime have scared away investors.
