Multi-Agency and Cross-County Team Formed to Combat Locusts Threat

The County Government of Meru has announced that it is ready and prepared to deal with the locusts invasion threat that has caused panic among the County population. Speaking today at Kanyakine, the Chief of Staff Hon. Gideon Kimathi said that while it is true some incidences and sightings of locusts have been confirmed in the northern parts of the County around Gachiuru area, the County Government has put together a team of personnel from Meru, Isiolo, Tharaka Nithi, Samburu and other surrounding counties, in readiness for any locusts invasion.

Hon. Kimathi said that Meru County Government under the leadership of Governor Kiraitu Murungi, realizes the gravity of any possibility of the locusts plague. He added that the team also comprises the national government who have already dispatched an aircraft, and private sector players including Lewa Wildlife Conservancy who have dispatched two aircrafts and other large scale farmers around the County. He said the aircrafts are already carrying out surveillance and are equipped with chemicals ready to spray and control the locusts.

Hon. Kimathi also urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to consider declaring the locusts invasion in the country a national disaster for quicker response and control to avoid a disastrous famine and hunger calamities, in case the insects attack the agricultural and food producing areas of the Country such as Meru and surrounding Mt. Kenya Counties. Hon. Kimathi spoke during the funeral ceremony of late Morris Mwenda Gitobu who succumbed to cardiac arrest. The event was also attended by Abogeta East MCA Hon. Mwirigi Karinga.