Elders and activists in Isiolo demand swift action as three-day fire ravages grazing fields

Elders and human rights activists in Isiolo County are calling on the government to act swiftly in containing a massive fire that has ravaged more than 10 square kilometres of grazing fields in Merti Sub-County.

The fire, now in its fourth day, continues to spread across vital grazing areas, threatening livelihoods, livestock, and infrastructure. Local leaders, led by Mohamed Konso, Chairperson of the Borana Council of Elders, expressed alarm over the government’s slow response to what they termed a looming disaster.

“It has been over 72 hours, and no action has been taken by the government. This fire is destroying our grazing lands and will lead to massive livestock deaths if not contained immediately,” said Konso.

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The fire, which began in Merti, is consuming grazing areas in Matarba, Korbesa, and Malkagalla and is now spreading towards Iresaboru, Badana, and Sericho. Residents fear it could soon reach residential areas, posing a significant threat to homes and community institutions.

Abdullahi Hajj Gonjobe, another Borana elder, speculated on the possible causes of the fire.

“Herders often prepare meals in the bushes, and it is possible a fire was left unattended. Additionally, the areas affected are common for wild honey harvesting, which could also be a cause.”

For the last two days, we have been responding alongside @KWSKenya and community members to contain the wildfire in Sericho, Garbatula Sub County, Isiolo.

The fire remains active, spreading toward Sericho, Biliki, Badana and Basa villages.

Specialized equipment is being…

— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) January 19, 2025

The elders warned that the fire had already consumed valuable pasture resources that could have sustained livestock and wildlife for up to two years.

“Our community depends heavily on these grazing lands for survival, and this fire will have devastating long-term effects on our livelihoods,” Gonjobe added.

Despite their efforts to extinguish the fire, residents have struggled due to a lack of proper firefighting equipment. Community members have made urgent pleas to both the national and county governments to step in with the necessary resources to contain the fire.

“We urgently need the government to deploy an aircraft to help extinguish the fire before it spreads further. This is an emergency that cannot wait,” Konso said.

The elders are urging authorities to treat the disaster with the seriousness it deserves, warning that failure to act promptly could result in widespread destruction, including the loss of livestock and homes.