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Kenya: Rumuruti Livestock Auction Market Abandoned Over Chaos

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4 years ago

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Business was Thursday paralysed at the Rumuruti livestock auction market in Laikipia County following clashes between herders and locals, as an MP arrested over the violence was released by a Nakuru court.

This happened as Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi sought an extension of the ongoing security operation in Ol-Moran to the troubled town.

Located north of the town centre, the market attracts sellers from as far as Baringo, Turkana, Isiolo and Samburu, and buyers from as far as Meru, Nairobi, Nakuru, Murang’a, Nyeri and even Somalia.

Approximately 2,000 cattle and 5,200 sheep and goats are sold at the auction every Thursday.

However, business took a hit Thursday, with most buyers and sellers keeping off, following clashes that have rocked the town for the past two days. Earlier in the week, angry residents had stormed the market and flushed out herders who had brought their livestock for sale.

Motorcycles torched

The traders also torched several motorcycles belonging to the herders, accusing them of grazing their livestock in private farms in Marura. Five people, including a police officer, have been injured in the chaos. According to Rumuruti municipal manager Jackson Kibocha, revenue collection has been affected f.

“Approximate 10,000 people from outside this area flock the market every Thursday and more than Sh1 million exchanges hands in the busy town. The clashes and the current tense situation is hurting in terms of revenue collection,” said Mr Kibocha.

Mr Richard Lentaiyon, a pastoralist from Kaptagat and who had brought his livestock for sale, said he was forced to return them home due to lack of buyers.