Ethiopian officials return 250 animals stolen at border

Recovered cows               PHOTO: COUTESY

By LIBAN GOLICHA

More than 250 animals stolen early this month in Marsabit’s North Horr Constituency have been recovered.

The animals, allegedly stolen by suspected Ethiopian cattle rustlers, were returned over the weekend.

The recoveries were made following consecutive peace meetings held between Kenyan and Ethiopian authorities.

The livestock, mainly cows and donkeys, were handed over to Marsabit County Commissioner Isaiah Nakoru over the weekend in Dukana, North Horr.

While receiving the animals, Mr Nakoru said the Ethiopian authority recovered 267 head of cattle and six donkeys and handed over the same to the Kenyan government.

Early this month, over 2,000 animals crossed over to neighbouring Ethiopia following a series of attacks that rocked Dukana region.

Nakoru said the recovery was due to ongoing cross-border peace meetings between warring communities and the two governments.

“We are grateful to our neighbours and elders for returning our animals,” he said.

The administrator said a series of peace meetings along the border will continue in order to reconcile the two communities.

However, tension remains high in Moyale as fighting between Borana and Gabra militias intensifies, with most schools still remaining closed.