The Kenya Red Cross over the weekend donated tonnes of relief aid to residents of Laikipia North Sub County who have been affected by constant cattle rustling from neighbouring County.
The relief donations targeted 1,000 households residing Kimanjo, Tiamamut and Ngobilo villages where thousands of people have been displaced by constant attacks from armed cattle rustlers.
The Kenya Red Cross Central Region Coordinator, Gitonga Mugambi who oversaw the exercise said each homestead received a package that contained maize flour, beans, cooking oil, salt, soap and sanitary towels.
Mugambi said that Kenya Red Cross had sourced the donations from well-wishers and that the aid organization would continue its support to vulnerable populations across the country.
The Laikipia North MP, Sarah Korere appealed to the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr.Fred Matiang’i to beef up security along the Isiolo-Laikipia border.
Lekorere noted that hundreds of residents have been displaced due to persistent cattle raids that have been witnessed at Tiamamut village along the border.
Mugambi also urged the Interior Ministry to set up an Anti-Stock theft unit camp between Tiamamut and Narasha villages which lie on the Laikipia North and Isiolo North sub counties respectively to curb invasion of bandits.
“There is so much tension in this border area of Laikipia and Isiolo Counties. I am appealing to CS Matiang’i to consider deploying an Anti-Stock Theft Unit camp along the border and also re-arm police reservists so that peace can prevail,” Lekorere said.
“Why is it so difficult for the police to recover livestock stolen from Laikipia and driven to neighbouring counties?” quipped Ms. Lekorere.
Two weeks ago, cattle rustlers raided a farmer’s homestead at Tiamamut village and drove away 83 herds of cattle.
Lobara Ole Mosieny’s homestead was raided at around 6:30pm and his entire cattle herd was forcefully driven away by bandits who continuously fired in the air to scare and scatter his neighbours.
The suspected bandits also made away with his six donkeys and drove the entire herd towards the neighbouring Isiolo as the village borders between the two counties.
Mosieny said the attackers, who numbered around 40, while armed with assault rifles, easily managed to overpower him and his family during the raid.
“I have been rendered poor but I am appealing to the security personnel to speedily intervene and recover my livestock. The route which the rustlers used is well known and we have availed the same to the officers for tracing and action. I thank God because they did not hurt anyone,” he added.
By Martin Munyi
