Cattle rustling turns to a mega trade as families’ agony deepens

Kenya: Despite  the deployment of security personnel in Pokot, Turkana and Baringo counties to put an end to cattle rustling, the high stakes theft of livestock has continued unabated. Since the involvement of the military following the massacre of more than 20 police officers by suspected rustlers in November, about 10 more people have been killed, and about 5,000 livestock stolen.

Late last year a man was killed and about 800 goats and sheep stolen when rustlers from a neighbouring community struck Kalimng’orok area in Turkana South Constituency.

In that same week, Lorogon village was attacked and put under siege for the better part of the night by bandits also suspected to be from a neighbouring community.

Kaputir Chief Charles Lopuya said the village was under siege from 8pm until late into the night. There was a heavy exchange of gunfire between Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) and the bandits.

“The bandits later escaped after they were repulsed by the anti-stock theft police, KPR, the Kenya police and the Kenya Wildlife Service.

During Jamhuri Day, three people were killed in Kainuk area at the border of West-Pokot and Turkana County.

The cattle rustlers carted away 4,300 goats in the attack. To register their protest against the wave of insecurity, residents  blocked the Kitale-Lodwar Road, paralysing transport along the road for three days.

Kainuk Ward Administrator David Ekurudi said the barricading of the road was meant to send a coded message  and prod the Government into action.

“The residents are sad, their kinsmen continue to be killed, yet the Government  still seems powerless. They have vowed to block the road until the Government addresses the matter,” said Mr Ekurudi at the time.

Call to President

Peter Eruman, a resident, said  the President should  visit the area and see for himself what they go through. He adds that many children have been orphaned and women widowed.

The stand-off paralysed operations by oil mining companies, including the movement of personnel and even food and other basic commodities from Kitale.

Turkana Senator John Munyes had to move in to  intervened after another person had been killed the previous day when local leaders and the county security team called for a peace meeting. Area MCA Nicodemus Eguman said talks  between the county security team and local leadership is ongoing to find a lasting peace.

 

Following all these attacks, leaders from the region have called on the National Government to ensure that they provide security  in Turkana County. 

Residents say local  elected leaders from Turkana and Pokot communities have been unable to sue for peace owing  to the intractable positions they have taken over cattle rustling.

Many peace meetings  have failed to take place over very flimsy excuses — some leaders snub meetings after complaining that they were invited via SMS or called by junior county personnel.

Last year, some  Turkana leaders refused to accompany Uhuru when he visited Kapedo following the killing of police officers, saying they were not formally invited.

The government then   issued a 24-hour ultimatum to raiders to return all  firearms stolen or face retaliatory attacks from security forces. 

Uhuru also gave leaders and elders from the community 24 hours to hand over all those involved in the killings that occurred in Kasarani, Akoret, Tiaty Constituency. “I want leaders from this region to stop the unnecessary blame-game and assist the government to get hold of these dangerous elements,” he said.

That very day KDF armoured vehicles were brought into the area to counter the rustlers, but this was criticised by   local leaders who complained that innocent residents were being hurt and animals killed in the operation.

Governor Josphat Nanok called for reforms in the security sector.

 “The country’s security system should be reformed even if it means changing the Constitution. The National Government should allow the counties to get involved in security matters,” said Nanok.

Cattle rustling has continued despite efforts to stop the raids; the attacks are well executed  and  locals say that the stolen animals are sold in distant counties.

The stealing of livestock is a lucrative trade. Basic calculations show that a single raid where 4,000 goats are stolen can fetch up to Sh16 million, with each goat selling at a price of Sh4,000.

 Lokoyer Peter, a resident of Makutano near Kapenguria in West Pokot, says between two and four lorries pass through the Kitale-Kapenguria-Lodwar Road with cattle. “At least two lorries full of cattle and/or goats pass across this route: some divert via Maili Saba Road after Kitale while others use the road across Elgeyo Marakwet County to Baringo,” he said.