Leaders in Laikipia County have threatened to flush out police officers training at a ranch in Soit Oudo village in Makurian location if the Inspector-General of Police (IG) Hillary Mutiambai does not halt the exercise.
Speaking during the burial of a 10-year-old boy who was blown off by an undetonated explosive, Laikipia North MP Sarah Lekorere and former National Assembly Speaker Francis Ole Kaparo accused police of recklessness during their frequent training sessions in the area.
Ms Lekorere said her attempts to reach IG Mutyambai over the incidents that have left scores of people maimed and others dead have been futile.
She questioned for how long they will be burying their loved ones Since the IG himself has shown no interest of hearing them out over the matter.
Ms Lekorere and Mr Kaparo said they do not want any more police training at the Morpusi Group Ranch, which they claim is gazetted as community land.
The MP said the land is owned by Soit Oudo residents and warned they will block police from conduting their training on the ranch.
Former National Assembly Speaker Kaparo called on the management of the ranch to strictly bar the officers from training at the 43,000-acre piece of land.
Morpusi Group Ranch chairman Francis Kilua appealed to the government to compensate all victims of explosions in the area.
Kilua said that the officers have over the years been manipulating pupils at Soit Oudo primary school with biscuits and candy to help them navigate the vast land during training sessions.
The ranch boss said the residents want the government to acquire the land legally if they want to continue with their training exercises
The minor, identified as Ldisiwa Lekesier, was herding his family’s livestock when he stepped on the device which exploded instantly.
The deceased’s elder brother, Bernard Kisier, said many residents have been killed while others have incurred serious injuries from unexploded devices.
