In what is turning out to be a direct effect of the raging drought that has affected most parts of the country, conflicts between farmers and herders are becoming a common occurrence.

Kandebene village,Tigania West constituency in meru county is in mourning following the death of Ruth Kagwiria, she was reportedly shot by camel herders outside her house when she tried reprimanding them from driving their camels into her farm.

“Camel herders came to our villages with their camels, started driving the camels into our farms which had crops awaiting harvest, when members of the public confronted the herders, they opened fire and killed one woman.” said one of the villagers.

Herders from areas which are hardest hit by the drought especially in Northern Kenya have been moving in search for pasture and water for their livestock. This has pitted them against farmers who accuse them of invading farmlands and causing massive losses to the farmers.

The conflicts are not isolated, with flare ups reported on the Garissa-Kitui border where 231 camels were reported to have crossed into neighbouring Kitui. The incident attracted the attention of Ukambani region calling for immediate expulsion of the camels. another incident was reported along the Garissa-Tana River border.

The conflict between the Akamba community and camel herders has been witnessed for decades where during dry seasons a conflict ensues between the two communities after camel herders herd their animals into locals farms.

In Tigania police came in after distress calls and responded by apprehending three of the herders and confiscating 174 camels from the herders who have since retreated. This has made everyone in the area alert because incidence has escalated the tension in the area as the residents are in fear of further attacks or retaliation from the bandits after the camels seizure.