Residents flee a Samburu village over cattle rustling

Residents flee a Samburu village over cattle rustling

Residents of Marti village in Samburu County are now living in fear following a fresh assault by cattle rustlers who raided several villages in the county.

The residents, who have started fleeing the area to the nearby Morijo village, say the rising cases of insecurity needs to be addressed with immediate effect failure to which the county will fall apart.

The raiders, who are from the suspected neighbouring Turkana community, are said to have started the assault over a month ago and the raids have been frequent, something that has forced the residents to flee fearing for their lives.

During the first raid, several Manyattas were torched, one person killed and hundreds of animals driven away by the raiders.

In yet another raid, one person was severely injured after the cattle rustlers attacked the village and several animals stolen. The incident instilled fear among the residents who now accuse the government of doing little to protect them and their property.

Efforts by police to recover the stolen cattle have been fruitless so far.

According to the area Member of Parliament Alois Lentoimaga, the issue has been handled very unprofessionally by the security forces and therefore a need to apply new strategies in dealing with these cattle raiders.

Lentoimaga appealed to the government to ensure the stolen cattle are recovered and handed over to their rightful owners as well as assure the residents of their security and that of their property.

The residents are, however, adamant that they will not return to the village until they are assured of their security and their stolen animals recovered.

This comes even as the cattle rustlers attacked Loosuk village less than a week ago and made away with at least 20 animals.

The raiders, suspected to be from the neighbouring Pokot community are also suspected to have stolen cows from Laikipia County a few days before the Loosuk, Samburu raid.

Loosuk area Chief Philip Lerno said the incident was a big blow to the peace and stability that was being experienced in the area.

 

 

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Samburu County CATTLE RUSTLING Morijo village

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