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Laikipia Ranchers in Peace Gesture to Maasai

The East African Standard (Nairobi)
NEWS
October 11, 2004
Posted to the web October 11, 2004
Nairobi
Some ranchers in Laikipia have extended the olive branch to Maasai herders by
allowing them access to under-utilised rangelands.
The ranchers said they would allow them to graze their animals to foster new-
found peace and good neighbourliness.
The ranchers started by withdrawing charges last week against 47 herders
arrested in Laikipia and Isiolo districts in connection with the invasion of
their property.
The invasion led to the shooting and killing of a Maasai herdsman.
Electric fences estimated to cost Sh2.3 million were destroyed during the
invasion.
"For the sake of peace and an extension of good neighbourliness, I will assist
the Maasai with grazing area. I want to cultivate a good relationship with my
neighbours, said Lance Tomlison of Loldaiga ranch.
Mr John George Kenyon of Mogwooni Ranch also announced that he was not keen to
press charges against the people who had invaded his property.
"I have talked with wazees (elders) and we have come to an amicable solution to
the problem. I would like to withdraw the charges," said Kenyon. The two said
this in a Nyeri court when the cases against the 47 Maasai herders came up for
hearing.
Another rancher, Mr Michael Dyer, also said through proxy that he wished to
withdraw the case.
The Maasais had invaded the ranches, which they claim was their ancestral land
following the expiry of a 99-year-old lease..
The suspected invaders were charged before Chief Magistrate Reuben Nyakundi who
subsequently acquitted them.
Their lawyers, led by Mr Ojwang Agina and Mr Gilbert Ombachi had used the
opportunity to champion the Maasai cause.
They had argued that the herders were a marginalised people who were being
vilified and treated unfairly for demanding what the colonialists had unjustly
taken away from them.
Councillor Nicholas Lesokoyo of Olndonyiro Ward in Isiolo said that the Maasai
were happy about the new deal and looked forward to a "beneficial relationship"
between the two sides.
He, however, claimed the State had used excessive force against his community.

   

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