A speeding miraa vehicle left a Lamu livestock farmer counting massive losses on Friday.

The speeding miraa vehicle hit the farmer’s flock of sheep decimating 165 of them and leaving only 5 albeit with injuries.

The accident took place at Gamba, along the Lamu-Garsen road.

The vehicle apparently carrying the precious commodity did not stop but proceeded with its journey to deliver the highly perishable goods presumably to Lamu.

The disgruntled owner of the livestock identified as Barisa Bapesa called on the police to assist him with tracing the driver and possibly get compensated for his loss.

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Bapesa said the sheep were crossing the road heading for their grazing corridors.

Unfortunately, Bapesa did not record the vehicle’s registration plate probably because he was still in shock.

He expressed how it was a painful experience to lose his flock because of a careless individual.

“It's painful to lose 165 sheep because someone was careless. The driver did not stop and I was unable to record the number plate. I am requesting the police to help me identify him and get justice,” Bapesa said.

Bapesa also said his sheep was his livelihood as he has nothing else. He said the driver ignored the road signs as the areas in a well-known animal crossing section of the road with clear signage.

“The driver just ignored the road signs and ran over my sheep. This is my livelihood. I have nothing else,” Bapesa lamented.

His fellow pastoralists staged a protest at the scene of the accident and demanded justice for Bapesa.

One of them said Bapesa should be compensated and motorists should beware of the animal crossing the road and also be conversant with the route they are plying.

Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia said he had received the information about the accident and police are in pursuit of the miraa vehicle driver.

Macharia cautioned miraa vehicle drivers plying the route against reckless driving and said the police will ensure justice prevails.

“I have received the information and investigations are on. We are pursuing the driver and will ensure justice prevails,”  Macharia said.

The accident happened at the worst time for the pastoralists in the region as most of them are losing their livestock to drought.