Illegal meat trade blamed for rampant cases of cattle rustling in Isiolo and Samburu
Security officials from Isiolo and Samburu counties during a joint meeting in Isiolo Town on October 8, 2015. They blamed a thriving meat black market for the rampant cases of cattle rustling in the two counties. PHOTO | VIVIAN JEBET | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Natembeya that the sale and slaughter of the stolen animals was making their recovery hard.
- Mr Birik warned politicians who could be involved in the illegal trade saying cases of cattle rustling in Samburu were alarming.
- The official singled out Kom, Sabarwawa, Losesia, Shaba, Gambela, Loruko and Buffalo Springs as areas mostly affected.
- Mr Natembeya expressed concerns that cattle rustling has been transformed into a highly organised crime.
Security officials in Samburu and Isiolo counties have blamed a thriving meat black market for the rampant cases of cattle rustling.
Authorities believe that commercialisation of the vice by herders and unscrupulous traders is responsible for raids executed by rustlers who steal cows, goats and camels.
Speaking at a joint peace and security meeting in Isiolo Thursday, Isiolo County Commissioner George Natembeya said police were investigating rustling cartels believed to control the illegal cattle market.
Mr Natembeya expressed concerns that cattle rustling has been transformed into a highly organised crime and warned those involved that their days were numbered.
He added that the sale and slaughter of the stolen animals was making their recovery hard but exuded confidence that they will soon catch up with the criminals.
“We are aware that some raiders have been engaging in the crime. We have not yet identified the market but my officers are tracing the trading areas,” Mr Natembeya said.
WARNED POLITICIANS
His Samburu counterpart Mohammed Birik warned politicians who could be involved in the illegal trade saying cases of cattle rustling in the country were alarming.
Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) Coordinator Tom Lalampaa claimed some herders had been arrested in an undisclosed market but were later released under unclear circumstances.
He accused some law enforcement officers of colluding with cattle rustlers in the business.
He said some of the animals are sold in Laikipia, Marsabit and other far-flung counties.
“It is unfortunate since the new trend is likely to hamper the peace and reconciliation that we have started if not addressed immediately,” Mr Lalampaa said.
The official singled out Kom, Sabarwawa, Losesia, Shaba, Gambela, Loruko and Buffalo Springs as areas mostly affected.
Others are Ngaremara, Archers Post, Maili Saba, Leparua and Kipsing centre where cattle rustling is threatening to degenerate into tribal fighting as different communities revenge over frequent attacks.
