The body of British rancher Tristan Voorspuy was removed from the scene of his murder in Laikipia and transported to Nairobi on Monday.
The Sosian ranch co-owner was shot dead on Sunday but his body had not been removed from the scene more than 24 hours later.
Voorspuy's friends had hired two choppers on Monday to retrieve the body but they were prevented by police due to the volatile security situation.
Read:
Also read:
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery
told the press in Nairobi that the Briton's murder was unfortunate.
Nkaissery
attributed the killing to the ongoing conflict over pasture in the area and said 379 illegal grazers had been arrested in connection to it.
He said DCI boss Ndegwa Muhoro was in Laikipia for investigations which would lead to the arrest of more suspects.
"Criminal elements have taken advantage of the conflict over pasture in the area to engage in cattle rustling, poaching, and murder," said the CS.
Nkaissery
said the had been fanned by inflammatory statements issued by leaders, who have incited locals against private land owners.
"Some political leaders have blatantly incited locals to break the law through illegal occupation of private property," he said.
But he added that security agencies had been asked to arrest those suspected to have incited the people.
The CS neither gave details of the said politicians nor specified the period within which they will be arrested and prosecuted.
Nkaissery said
illegal grazers were moved from 16 ranches in the county and that an operation to find stolen property was ongoing.
"However, some private land owners have declined support from security agencies and prefer to negotiate directly with communities," the CS said.
"This is within their rights. The government respects this as long as peace and security are maintained."
The CS denied that police were overwhelmed and unable to quell the conflicts, and dismissed
suggestions of military intervention.
"We have increased the number officers in the area. Four new camps have been set up in Marakwet and Baringo," he said.
''The state has also increased the number of officers as well as police reservists to complement police efforts."
This comes after months of undeterred raids on private ranches and conservancies in Laikipia.
The government is also dealing with banditry attacks linked to cattle rustling in Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and other pastoralist counties.
"Ongoing operations to flush out bandits and illegal grazers from the hot-spots will be done in line with the law and respect for human rights," Nkaissery said.
Read:
Also read: