Seventeen invading herders on Tuesday were charged in Nanyuki with trespass and illegal grazing on private land.
They pleaded not guilty, were fined Sh1,000 each and were released.
Patima Lempurkel and 16 others — who had 3,000 head of cattle — appeared before principal magistrate Waititu Gichimu. They were accused of being at Mutuma Mugambi’s farm in Laikipia county without permission on Monday.
The second charge indicates they were illegally grazing cattle there without permission.
Yesterday, Laikipia East police boss James Kithuka said after they paid the fines, they drove off about 3,000 head of cattle that had been seized and locked up near Nanyuki police station
Kithuka said the fine was trifling and encourages them to continue invading.
“When we arrest them and take them to court, they are charged Sh500 or Sh1,000, which they pay up front. Then they continue invasions.” He said they should seek permission or return where they came from.