@ppcheti
A livestock farmer in Lamu county has lost 165 sheep after they were hit and killed by a speeding miraa vehicle on Friday.
Only five sheep survived but with injuries.
The accident happened in Gamba area on the Lamu-Garsen road.
The aggrieved herdsman Barisa Bapesa from Bandi village on the Lamu-Tana River border said the sheep were crossing the road heading to their grazing corridors.
The driver of the miraa vehicle sped off after the accident leaving a shocked Bapesa counting losses.
It is however believed the vehicle was headed to Lamu from Meru to deliver the miraa.
Barisa called on police to help him trace the driver and compensate for his dead sheep.
“It's painful to lose 165 sheep because someone was careless. The driver did not stop and I was unable to record the number plate. I am requesting the police to help me identify him and get justice,” Bapesa said.
“The driver just ignored the road signs and ran over my sheep. This is my livelihood. I have nothing else.”
The accident area is a known animal crossing section of the Lamu-Garsen road with visible road signs that require motorists to slow down because of the large number of livestock mostly cattle, sheep and goats that normally cross.
This comes at a time when pastoralists in Lamu are continuing to lose hundreds of their livestock to the ravaging drought.
Pastoralists gathered at the scene and demonstrated to demand justice for the sheep owner.
“This farmer should be compensated. Motorists ought to know that Minjila, Gamba, and Witu are pastoralist zones and should therefore expect large herds of livestock crossing the road,” Kubow Mohamed said.
Lamu county commissioner, Irungu Macharia said the police were pursuing the miraa driver.
He cautioned motorists especially miraa drivers plying the road against reckless driving.
“I have received the information and investigations are on. We are pursuing the driver and will ensure justice prevails,” Macharia said.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
