Four Isiolo Chiefs interdicted over cattle rustling

Four Chiefs in Isiolo County have been interdicted in efforts to stop rampant cattle rustling that have threatened coexistence between pastoralist communities.

Isiolo County Commissioner George Natembeya said the interdicted chief have failed to execute their duties accordingly.

Speaking Thursday morning in his residence in Isiolo town during an emergency security meeting with chiefs from Isiolo, Garbatulla and Merti sub counties, Natembeya said that he regretted that some chiefs and their assistants were colluding with cattle rustlers to steal and drive away animals.

“The chiefs are supposed to serve as an example to the rest not to switch off their mobile phones during and after raiding in their locations,” said Mr. Natembeya.

He said investigations have been launched to establish the chiefs who have been colluding with cattle rustlers.

He asked chiefs from Kula Mawe, Attan, Modoyaka and Nakuprat not to allow stolen livestock pass through their jurisdiction without them knowing.

The chiefs were also directed to report cattle rustling cases to authorities in time to fasten recovery measures and also warned that they will be held responsible if the animals are stolen in their jurisdictions.

With regards to illegal firearms proliferation in the county, Natembeya said that all persons in possession of firearms should register them with immediate effect failure to which they will be confiscated.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Major (Rtd.) Gen. Joseph Nkaisssery had earlier in the week warned that those in possession of unregistered firearms that they will be disarmed.

Natembeya further said that police have already mapped out areas prone to cattle rustling and those with high number of unregistered firearms saying that a disarmament process will start within two weeks.

His sentiments follow the killing of a herder and theft of over 30 cattle in Mitoene Village, Igembe North Sub County.

The raid came just a few hours after a peace meeting was convened by CS Nkaissery and attended by elders from both Meru and Isiolo counties.