Civil society organizations In Isiolo County, Kenya, have issued an urgent appeal to the government to fulfill its constitutional obligation to protect the lives and property of residents amid escalating cattle rustling incidents.
The groups have expressed frustration over recurring attacks by bandits, which have resulted in significant loss of life and livestock, threatening the region’s stability and livelihoods.
In a bold move, they have threatened legal action against the government if the perpetrators of recent raids, which claimed three lives and saw hundreds of livestock stolen, are not apprehended and prosecuted within two weeks.
Rising Insecurity and Loss of Life
The call to action follows a series of violent incidents in Isiolo County. According to Ms. Anab Kassim, a prominent local activist and member of the Somali Council of Elders, the government has failed to adequately address the ongoing menace of cattle rustling.
She highlighted the devastating impact of these attacks, noting that approximately 100 people have lost their lives in similar incidents over the past few years, with hundreds of livestock stolen by criminals, often from neighboring counties.
“The government must be proactive in providing security to its citizens,” Ms. Kassim stated, emphasizing that taxpayers have a constitutional right to protection of their lives and property.
Among the most vulnerable victims are children, with Ms. Kassim revealing that over 65 children in the region have been orphaned due to banditry-related killings.
She expressed dismay that the perpetrators, some of whom are known by name, have not been confronted by local security agencies, allowing the cycle of violence to persist unchecked.
Recent Attacks Highlight Urgency
The urgency of the situation was underscored by recent incidents in Isiolo County. Over the weekend, three people were killed, and 19 cattle were stolen in an attack just 2 kilometers from the Isiolo County Police Headquarters.
The following day, rustlers struck again, driving away 71 camels and 250 cattle from Boji-dera in Garbatulla Sub-County. These brazen attacks, occurring in close proximity to security installations, have intensified calls for immediate government intervention.
Ms. Kassim, speaking on behalf of the civil society groups, argued that the government possesses the necessary resources to decisively address the cattle rustling problem.
“The authorities have the means to deal with these criminals once and for all,” she said, urging security agencies to take swift and decisive action to restore peace in the region.
Police Response and Ongoing Efforts
In response to the outcry, Isiolo County Police Commander Moses Mutisya provided an update on the security measures being implemented.
He confirmed that security teams had successfully recovered 100% of the camels stolen near the Isiolo Abattoir and all cattle taken from the Kambi Odha area.
However, efforts are ongoing to recover 38 cattle stolen from Boji-dera, with security personnel actively tracking the perpetrators.
Commander Mutisya also highlighted the role of the National Police Reservists (NPRs) in bolstering security in the region. Currently, Isiolo North has 134 NPRs who support regular police patrols and respond to distress calls.
To further strengthen security, he announced plans for recruiting additional NPRs and re-vetting existing ones to ensure their effectiveness.
“We are committed to enhancing security in the region and addressing the concerns of residents,” Mutisya assured.
A Broader Context of Insecurity
Cattle rustling, a longstanding issue in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions, has deep socio-economic and cultural roots.
In Isiolo and neighboring counties, the practice has evolved from traditional livestock raids into a more organized and violent criminal enterprise, often involving armed groups.
The loss of livestock, a primary source of livelihood for pastoralist communities, exacerbates poverty and fuels inter-communal tensions.
The recent attacks in Isiolo underscore the need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of the problem.
Civil society groups argue that the government’s response has been inadequate, pointing to the proximity of recent attacks to security installations as evidence of systemic failures.
They are calling for a multi-faceted approach that includes increased security patrols, community engagement, and addressing underlying issues such as resource competition and unemployment, which often drive young people into banditry.
The Threat of Legal Action
Ms. Kassim emphasized that residents have a right to demand protection, particularly given the significant tax contributions from the region.
The ultimatum issued by the civil society groups reflects growing frustration with what they perceive as government inaction.
By threatening to sue the state, the groups aim to hold authorities accountable for upholding their constitutional mandate.
“We will not sit back while our people continue to suffer,” she declared, signaling the groups’ determination to pursue justice through legal channels if their demands are not met.
Community and Government Collaboration Needed
The situation in Isiolo highlights the need for collaboration between the government, security agencies, and local communities to address the cattle rustling crisis effectively.
While the recovery of stolen livestock is a positive step, the loss of lives and the persistent threat of banditry underscore the urgency of implementing sustainable solutions.
Community leaders, including the Somali Council of Elders, have expressed willingness to work with authorities to identify and address the perpetrators, provided there is a genuine commitment to action.
As Isiolo County grapples with this crisis, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate its commitment to protecting its citizens.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the authorities can deliver on their promises to restore security and bring the perpetrators to justice, or if the civil society groups will follow through on their threat to seek legal recourse.
Looking Ahead
The escalating cattle rustling crisis in Isiolo County has brought to light the challenges of ensuring security in Kenya’s pastoralist regions.
With lives lost, livelihoods destroyed, and communities living in fear, civil society groups are demanding accountability and action from the government.
As the two-week ultimatum looms, the response of security agencies and the government will be closely watched by residents and observers alike, with hopes that decisive measures will finally bring an end to the cycle of violence and loss in Isiolo.
Share This Post