Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu on Saturday cautioned residents of the marginal area of his constituency where camel herders have encroached with huge herds against colluding with the intruders.
Nzengu said it would be a grave mistake as ultimately the outcome of the relation would most likely be disastrous.
He was speaking on Saturday evening during a public function at Inyanzae village, Kavaani location, in Ngomeni ward.
The area has been infiltrated by herds of camel, sparking an outcry among the residents after invading farms.
In the past, whenever the camel herders who are usually armed with guns invaded the marginal areas of Ngomeni and other parts of Kitui county in search of pasture, they would leave behind a trail of blood after clashing with residents.
Kyuso deputy county commissioner Reuben Kimosop recently told the media that herders from Isiolo had entered his area with more than 2,000 camels.
Spirited efforts to drive out the camels from the affected areas of Ngomeni in recent weeks have been futile due to the sheer number of the camels.
“I am deeply concerned that herders from Isiolo have flooded our area with camels. The sad part is that the residents have also hired out their land and water wells to the herders giving them the excuse to stick around,” Nzengu said.
He said it was obvious that entertaining the herders was courting trouble and asked local leaders, including members of the peace committee, to come up with workable recommendations that could result to the flashing out of the camel herders.
“I have information about traitors in your midst who are working with the camel herders and I will sooner than later disclose them. I want you to name those who are working with the herders, or even confidentially for appropriate action," the MP said.
Nzengu accused the police for looking the other way for some suspect reasons while fully aware the presence of the camel herders in the area was tantamount to a ticking time bomb.
The legislator said time had come for the police to reshuffle its leadership in the area to find a lasting solution to the menace of the encroaching camel herders.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
