Leaders from Samburu demand justice for victims of cattle raids

Leaders from Samburu East have demanded the re-arrest and trial of three suspected raiders from Isiolo County.

Led by Samburu East MP Raphael Letimalo, Tourism executive Peter Leshakwet and Samburu elders, the leaders claimed that the three suspects were apprehended by police in Isiolo but later released on bond.

They also want the three suspects from Ngaremara compelled to return their stolen livestock.

More than 100 cattle and 200 goats were stolen three weeks ago by suspected Turkana raiders from Isiolo County with 30 cattle already recovered.

DEMANDED QUICK ACTION

In a peace meeting chaired by Samburu East Deputy County Commissioner Winston Mulubi, the leaders demanded for quick action from the Isiolo security committee.

They called on Samburu morans to desist from taking the law into their hands.

The leaders also demanded for justice for a herder and a conservancy ranger killed two weeks ago when they were in a mission to search for their stolen livestock.

Mr Letimalo said that the community was ready to pursue peaceful methods instead of retaliating which will cause more harm among the affected communities.

He accused the police of not taking action to recover stolen animals.

The leaders accused the Samburu East Sub-county security committee of delegating their roles to the wildlife conservancies in the area.

“We want peace and we have agreed that by the end of two weeks our livestock will be returned,” Mr Letimalo said.

Mr Leshakwet said the conflicts were affecting tourism in wildlife reserves in Samburu and Isiolo counties.