MP Ngeno demands ASTU deployment and military base after deadly cattle raid

Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng'eno addressing members of the public. March 1, 2020. [File, Standard] Tensions remain high in Angata Barikoi, Transmara South, following a deadly cattle raid that resulted in one man's death and the theft of over 50 head of cattle. The attack has reignited fears of insecurity along the Kenya-Tanzania border, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ngeno has called for the immediate deployment of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the establishment of a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) base in the region to address rising insecurity and prevent further cross-border attacks. The latest raid, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, claimed the life of a resident, Charles Langat, who was shot multiple times. The attackers, believed to be heavily armed raiders from Tanzania and allegedly assisted by individuals from Migori County, made off with 18 cows and 30 goats. During a condolence visit to the bereaved family, Ngeno criticised the deteriorating security situation, attributing it to the porous border and lack of a robust security presence. "We cannot continue living in fear. The GSU should be replaced by ASTU to track stolen livestock, and the government must establish a KDF base to deter these cross-border raids. This is an international boundary and should be treated as such," Ngeno stated. The MP claims that 80 per cent of the cattle rustlers in the region originate from across the border in Tanzania. He also urged the government to recruit and arm National Police Reservists (NPRs) in remote areas to help secure communities. The attack has heightened anxiety among locals, who are still reeling from recent clashes that left six people dead due to alleged police shootings related to land disputes. Residents fear the situation could escalate into full-blown conflict if swift action is not taken. Local youth, led by Geoffrey Langat and Gedeon Langat, have taken to patrolling the area with bows and arrows, citing the government's slow response. "If the government does not act quickly and recover our stolen cattle, we will cross the border and retrieve them ourselves," declared a visibly agitated Geoffrey Langat. Another resident, Johanna Kamilan, described the raiders as highly dangerous and well-equipped. "They have sophisticated weapons, even bombs. We feel abandoned. We are calling on the government to arm us through NPR recruitment so that we can protect our people," she said. Despite calls for urgent intervention, there has been no official response from the Ministry of Interior or the Kenya Defence Forces at the time of this report. This incident underscores the longstanding insecurity and inter-communal tensions along the Narok-Kuria border, where cattle rustling continues to pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.

MP Ngeno demands ASTU deployment and military base after deadly cattle raid

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MP Ngeno demands ASTU deployment and military base after deadly cattle raid

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