Authorities in Turkana County have recovered 65 heads of cattle in Loreng, Letea Ward, alleged to have been stolen from the Jie community of Uganda along the Kenya-Uganda border.
Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita announced the animals would be returned to Uganda in the spirit of peacebuilding and to prevent possible retaliatory raids.
At a meeting with the community members in Loreng, Letea Ward, Commissioner Kavita reiterated government’s commitment to enhance cross-border peace through continuous engagement with the communities in the neighbouring countries and the need to stop the cattle rustling tradition that has exposed the areas to never-ending insecurity.
According to the Commissioner, the animals were recovered through an elaborate network of police reservists and Rangeland Management Committee, a community resource structure established by USAID NAWIRI to encourage cross-border peace through shared utilisation of pasture and water resources between Turkana and neighbours.
Kavita warned bandits of firm and decisive action against anyone engaging in cattle rustling.
“We have partnered with USAID NAWIRI and the Kenya Red Cross Society in finding a lasting solution to cattle-related conflicts through peace-building initiatives within the county,” Commissioner Kavita said.
The County Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs, Joseph Epuu, said that plans were underway to connect the USAID NAWIRI-established boy and girl groups with inclusive funds offered by the county under the Biashara Women and Youth Funds.
He insisted that the governor was keen on peaceful coexistence between Turkana and all the neighbours, as evidenced by the county’s success in finding a solution to cattle-related conflicts.
Senior Natural Resource Management and Peace Building Officer at USAID NAWIRI, Sericho Lokolong, emphasised the commitment of the organisation to support peace-building efforts by the county and national governments through rangeland management and ward planning committees.
Residents of Loreng unanimously agreed to let the stolen cattle go, saying it is a good practice to be reciprocated to pacify the area and allow peace and trade to thrive.
By Peter Gitonga
