Panic as locusts spotted in Kirinyaga village

By , K24 Digital
On Tue, 14 Jan, 2020 09:15 | < 1 min read
locusts
Some of the insects that were spotted in a Kirinyaga village. PHOTO | GITHINJI MWANGI
Some of the insects that were spotted in a Kirinyaga village. PHOTO | GITHINJI MWANGI

Panic and fear has gripped Riandira village in Kirinyaga County after some insects suspected to be desert locusts was spotted in the area.

The insects invaded several farms and residents fear their crops may be destroyed.

Locals who spoke to K24 Digital expressed fears that the ferocious feeders may attack their rice, maize and coffee crops if the government fails to take urgent measures.

Mr Issac Ndungu said that the locusts first landed on his fence on Sunday morning and rapidly spread to his maize farm.

He said that his fellow villagers are scared the swarm of locust will devour their maize crop which is nearing maturity.

Mr Ndungu said the swarm is rapidly growing and urged the Ministry of Agriculture to intervene.

"The number of these high feeder insects is increasing by day. On Sunday, we had a small swarm of locusts and on Monday they spread to the whole village," he said.

But not all farmers are convinced that the insects that have invaded their farms are desert locusts.

Peter Maganjo, a farmer, said they need information on what chemicals to use to tame the locust invasion.