News
31 killed in Laikipia cattle raid
A man scavenges on a carcass at Acher's Post in Samburu on June 11, 2009. Recent spate of cattle rustling is being blamed on severe drought in the area. PHOTO/ JOSEPH KANYI
Posted Tuesday, September 15 2009 at 13:57
In Summary
- Samburu and Pokot herdsmen among the dead.
- 100 heads of cattle stolen.
At least 31 herdsmen have been killed in a fierce conflict in Mogurak, in Laikipia North District in central Kenya.
The incident happened in a remote area of central Kenya and details are still trickling in.
Internal Security assistant minister Orwa Ojode confirmed the killings, saying 22 of the herdsmen were from the Samburu community while nine were from the Pokot community.
The assistant minister said over 100 heads of cattle had been stolen during the early morning raid in the mainly pastoral area.
Mr Ojode spoke to the Daily Nation on Tuesday moments before he boarded a plane to the area to “assess the situation.”
“I’ve been told that even children have been killed. I will give the correct picture once I land on the ground,” he said.
Mr Ojode said the conflict was caused by the persistent drought that has led the pastoralists to fight over pasture and watering holes for their animals.
The killings in Mogurak come five days after Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton raised a red flag over increased insecurity in Northern Kenya.
Samburu East MP Raphael Letimalo has had to call off a noon press conference at Parliament buildings in order to accompany the government entourage to the killing fields.
Mr Letimalo, a Samburu, put the number of the dead herdsmen from his community at 24 but did not mention the deaths of the Pokot.
The MP has previously accused the Government of selective disarmament saying, “it (disarmament) only targets the Samburu.”
However, Mr Ojode defended the Government saying the previous efforts to disarm the pastoralists were scuttled after area leaders prevailed promising to handle the matter through peace meetings.
The Internal Security assistant minister said a major crackdown was planned in the area following the fresh flare-up.
“This time we are not going to cut off the exercise even if the leaders protest… we have to stamp out this cattle rustling menace,” said Mr Ojode.
The leaders, he said, pledge to hold peace meetings to reduce cattle rustling and the tribal conflicts, but nothing comes out of it.
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Submitted by NativeSonPosted September 16, 2009 04:27 AM
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Submitted by omambia
I lived and worked in Laikipia in the mid to late 90's. Secondly, a point of correction to the first commentee, Laikipia District is situtated in Rift Valley Province. My sincere and deepest condolences to all the deceased innocent families caught up in this unfortunate skirmish
Posted September 15, 2009 08:32 PM -
Submitted by HJJ102
This is not about cattle raiding. This is about genocide against the Samburu tribe by Somali insurgents paid to eliminate them, the Oromo Liberation Front. But, cattle raiding certainly is a convenient hiding place to keep heinous Crimes Against Humanity hidden from public outcry!
Posted September 15, 2009 07:42 PM -
Submitted by charlesokola
Kenyans living in this area are treated like second class citizens. Insecurity, in the form of cattle rustling has been going on for decades and the Government does nothing to alleviate the problem.
Posted September 15, 2009 06:29 PM -
Submitted by gmw14
point of correction. Laikipia is in Eastern Province. I feel sorry for the dead ones. May the Lord keep their soul in internal peace.
Posted September 15, 2009 05:49 PM
RSS
Laikipia is in Eastern Province? Yesu wangu! No wonder our country is so messed up! If such a fellow who doesn't even know where Laikipa is, I feel for our children who look up to such people for guidance.