Raila Odinga blames Jubilee leaders for unending cattle rustling

CORD leaders have accused top Jubilee leaders for being responsible for perennial cattle rustling menace affecting the North Rift region.

The opposition leaders claimed that top officials serving in the current government should be answerable for the cattle rustling menace affecting pastoralist communities, saying they are indirectly involved in cattle trade which is fueling the retrogressive practice.

Led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Siaya Senator James Orengo, MPs Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Peter Mathuli (Eala) and Maj (Rtd) Victor Muluvi (Kitui East) they questioned why stolen animals are never recovered and culprits not brought to book.

Raila blamed the government for condoning the perpetrators of the vice saying the administration of the day know some of its officers responsible for protracted insecurity in the region.

"We want to see communities affected by the cattle rustling menace brought together and dialogue prevail to prevent this bloodletting nuisance and allow development to thrive since the residents are impoverished ," said Raila.

He said the government knows the underlying issues which are fueling tension among the Turkana, Samburu and Pokot among other communities but have chosen to remain silent.

"It is common knowledge that the issue of cattle rustling was brought about by the unresolved boundary disputes among the communities but the government is doing nothing to solve the problem," said Raila.

Raila said the government was creating animosity among communities because they are doing little to bring them together and enhance peaceful coexistence through joined development projects which involve all residents.

Consequently Kalonzo said the animosity in the region is due to meager resources which have forced many locals to turn to rustlers and bandits to fend for themselves and asked the government to speedily disburse resources.

"Cattle rustling has rendered many children orphans and women have been widowed and many learning institutions have been rendered desolate because of insecurity," said the wiper leader.

Kalonzo noted that residents should also play a role and shun the bloodletting menace because the region has been undeveloped because investors fear investing there.

"Local leaders are preaching peace but are not practicing it for locals to emulate them. Peace must be achieved at all cost," said Kolonzo.

"Why are animals trailed using a chopper never recovered? This is because police officers who trail the stolen animals fear reporting because high placed individuals in government will victimize them,” said Orengo.

He faulted the government for failing to end cattle rustling in the region saying jubilee leaders are tactless and lack the will because they are involved in the practice.

"We have information that this animals end up in Nairobi transported via government vehicles where no one dares to raise a finger," said Orengo.

Speaking in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo County to popularize the Okoa Kenya initiative in the two regions, the leaders said the country needs transformative leaders who are selfless and focused to achieve the Kenya dream.