The Directorate of Criminal Investigations summoned 40 people in connection with the cattle rustling cases in Mau Forest along the Nakuru-Narok border.
The local leaders are among those summoned in efforts to end the conflicts that have caused massive destruction of property, deaths and injuries.
At the same time, the government closed down the Logoman Forest Block of the Mau Complex saying that it has been converted in to an operating field for rustlers.
Rift Valley Regional Criminal Investigations Officer Festus Malinge said his department had investigated the matter whereby the said people from Nakuru and Narok have been vastly mentioned.
The 40 persons drawn from Nakuru and Narok are expected to record statements with their respective County Criminal Investigating Officers (CCIOs) during the week.
“They are expected to record statements and help the police with further investigations into the insecurity caused by cattle rustling in Olposimoru, Teegat, Olmariko, Ndeffo, Olengaape and other surrounding villages,” said Malinge who was accompanied by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya.
Also present during the peace meeting on Monday this week were Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, Nakuru County Commissioner, Erastus Mbui , his Narok Counterpart, Samuel Kimiti and MPs Moitalel ole Kenta, Narok North and Charity Kathambi, Njoro.
In early May, nine people were killed and scores injured in stock theft related cases in Olenguruone, Kuresoi South and Njoro areas.
Natembeya ordered immediate closure of Logoman Forest from access by any civilians which lies on the border of the two counties.
“The government through the Kenya Forest Service has deployed 300 forest guards and regular police officers to patrol the forest block which has been converted into a hideout for rustlers to ensure no human activity in there,” he said.
Kimiti said that they had collected thousands of arrows from the residents in the past one since early May in a bid to end violence.
Nakuru County Governor Lee Kinyanjui warned that bringing up children in a volatile condition where they witnessed their communities fighting neighbours was setting a bad precedence.
Kinyanjui said investigations should be done to stop the recurring clashes as it was causing underdevelopment in the area.
He observed that there was direct connection between the fights within Njoro, Narok and Kuresoi South.
The governor said the county was ready to invest its resources in deradicalising the youths and other initiatives aimed at fostering peace among residents.
