Security agents recover livestock stolen from Uganda

Armed herder rounding up his cattle in Turkana County. [File, Standard]

Kenya security forces have recovered livestock that were stolen by suspected bandits from herders in neighbouring Uganda.

The security agencies recovered 65 cattle and 20 goats that had been driven away by bandits suspected to be from Turkana at Letea ward along the Kenya-Uganda border.

Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita said the livestock will be returned to Uganda once the owners have been identified.

Speaking at a community engagement meeting in Loreng, Letea ward, Kavita said the government is committed to addressing cross-border conflicts through peace initiatives.

“As a government, we are committed to the cross-border peace process and regional stability through continuous engagement with the neighbouring communities,” he said.

The County Commissioner said they are exploring ways to ensure communities along the border abandon cattle rustling that fuels insecurity in the region.

Kavita revealed that the livestock were recovered through an elaborate network of police reservists and Rangeland Management Committees, a community resource established by USAID Nawiri to encourage cross-border peace through shared utilisation of pasture and water between Turkana and their neighbours.

The County Commissioner warned bandits of stern action if the do not to abandon the retrogressive cattle rustling.

"We have partnered with USAID Nawiri and the Kenya Red Cross Society in finding a lasting solution to the conflict through peace building initiatives targeting affected villages within the county," he said.

County Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs, Joseph Epuu, said plans are underway to support established men and women groups projects through the county Biashara Fund and women and youth funds to economically empower them.