Farmers in Gatundu North villages have raised alarm over increased cases of avocado theft. The farmers have been left counting huge losses following a spike in such cases in their farms for the increasingly-lucrative product.

Speaking after receiving 20,000 avocado seedlings from area MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia at Kamwangi, the farmers accused groups of lazy young men of being behind the theft.

They noted with concern that their farms are being raided day and night adding that the avocados are later sold to brokers who are colluding with the criminals.

“We have been doing our best to grow avocados, which have good returns but our toil is usually enjoyed by criminals who steal the fruits at night. Unless the crime is arrested, we will continue channelling our energy towards farming but benefiting other quarters,” Margaret Wanjiru, a farmer said.

Crackdown

The farmers averred that they have been depending on the avocado, which have been fetching good prices in the market, to cater for their basic needs.

They pleaded with the local authorities to crackdown on the criminals as well as brokers who are enriching themselves with the farmers’ sweat.

Gatundu North deputy county commissioner Margaret Mbugua affirmed that they have received numerous cases of gangs of youths terrorising farmers.

While sending a stern warning to the criminals, the administrator warned that they will leave no stone unturned until they flush out all the criminals, adding that those found culpable will be punished accordingly.

“We have a court of law within Kamwangi and our message to the thieves is simple, you will rot in jail if you don’t transform,” said Mbugua.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the MP who called on the authorities to up their game and protect farmers from the criminals.

“If you don’t farm on your land and enjoy your toil, you will go farm for the government while enjoying your jail term. Going forward, farmers must be allowed to enjoy their hard work,” stated Kururia.