Residents of Segera have been issued a strong warning against trespassing onto private property.
This comes after the destruction of an eight-kilometre electric fence at the Agriculture Development Corporation (ADC) Mutura ranch in the same area.
Addressing locals at Tank Nyeusi in Segera, Patrick Muli, the Deputy County Commissioner of Laikipia East, said decisive measures would be taken against perpetrators.
Muli explained, “The recent destruction of the ADC Mutara fence has prompted us to engage with the local residents to discuss ways to prevent such incidents. Regrettably, around eight kilometers of the fence were compromised.”
He went on to describe how unidentified individuals managed to breach the well-guarded ADC Mutara ranch, causing substantial destruction across its extensive grounds. Muli emphasized that the ranch was a sanctuary for wildlife, and the breach of the fence was increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflicts within the neighboring communities.
“We cannot ignore the potential threat from wild animals if the fence is not intact. This situation could lead to disruptions in the villages. We’ve conveyed our message clearly: further damage to the fence will not be tolerated,” the Deputy County Commissioner sternly warned.
In response to the security concerns, Muli disclosed ongoing plans to enhance the safety of the region by deploying National Police Reservists (NPR).
Concurrently, a resident named Gladies Naserian raised an additional issue during the gathering. She voiced her concern that local youth were being unfairly overlooked for employment opportunities by nearby ranch owners, despite their qualifications.
“Within our vicinity, there are several ranches like ADC Mutara, Olpajeta, and Segera Ranch. Sadly, they aren’t providing employment to us locals, even though we’ve appealed for such opportunities. I urge both the county and national authorities to intervene,” Naserian added.