Did Isiolo poacher turned peace ambassador live double life?

Kuyaso Lokoli during a radio interview where he was giving his testimony and campaigning against poaching. PHOTO: COURTESY

SAMBURU: A reformed cattle rustler who attracted the attention of local and international media after denouncing banditry and poaching was killed in unclear circumstances by police in Isiolo during an operation to recover stolen livestock.

Kuyaso Lokoloi from Samburu East was killed by police who had accompanied Turkana herders from Chokaa manyatta to track down Samburu rustlers who had stolen their 100 goats.

County Deputy Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto accused Mr Lokoloi of leading a double life.

"Referring to the security intelligence provided, Lokoloi used his history as a reformed warrior to get sponsors and funding from donors, but he led a dreaded gang at night to raid his neighbours," he said.

It is believed that Lokoloi was killed during a confrontation between the police, Turkana herders and Samburu rustlers.

But official reports accusing the former Kenya Police Reservist (KPR) of being a notorious raider, appeared to have disturbed many in Samburu.

The explanation of Lokoloi's death has created a rift between political leaders, security officials and residents.

Contrary to police claims that he was on a security watch list, those who knew him described him as a wildlife conservationist and a peace ambassador.

His brother, Gabriel, said his brother was a fully-reformed man who only fell victim of a police bullet.

WANTED MAN

"We are shocked to hear security officials in Isiolo say he was wanted. We totally disagree with that," he noted.

Gabriel said Lokoloi, a father of two, did good both for the community and probably the whole world for changing potential poachers and saving elephants.

"He preached about the importance of conserving wildlife and managed to convince many to stay away from rustling," he said.

Gabriel accused the deputy commissioner of misleading the public and of always being biased whenever police killed by mistake.

Lokoloi is said to have been a police informer for poaching and other insecurity matters.

The 27-year-old reclaimed his status in society after the international media highlighted his reformed life of denouncing poaching, banditry and cattle rustling.

He had handed over his semi-automatic rifle and in turn was given a Government-licensed gun after being recruited as a KPR and conservancy scout.

He began preaching peace and protecting wildlife by patrolling Kalama Conservancy.

ELEPHANT AMBASSADOR

His anti-poaching testimonies are said to have moved many and hence he became a model and source of inspiration to many young Samburu morans.

But more shocking were the allegations that he was a notorious bandit whom security officials claimed lived a double life; a peace ambassador by day and a commander of cattle rustlers at night.

Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal visited his home village in Laresoro, Samburu East to pay him tribute.

As security officials maintained that his death was not a case of mistaken identity, Lokoloi's friends termed it a fabrication.

John Lenkulate, who said Lokoloi brokered peace in the conflict border, claimed that before he was shot dead, he had spotted the owners of the goats.

"I was among the people who went to the scene to collect the body after he was shot on the head. He could not have participated. He was a model of motivation to other young men," said Mr Lenkulate.

Jerenimo Lepiroi of the Save The Elephant Campaign said Lokoloi was a true anti-poaching campaigner.

Terming the death as a big loss to the anti-poaching campaign, Mr Lepiroi said Lokoloi moved many with his poaching testimonies.