Police and State should do more to end insecurity in Kerio Valley
Angry women protest in Marakwet East on June 22, 2016 following bandit attacks that killed four people. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The government has attempted to bring peace to Kerio Valley without any meaningful success.
For decades, cattle rustlers have terrorised Kerio valley.
The vice has continued unabated because the security forces do not take it seriously.
The government has attempted to bring peace to the region without any meaningful success.
The recent recruitment of police reservists has bolstered surveillance and can help combat the vice.
Senseless attacks, especially by groups from Tiaty, have stunted economic development, business and agriculture.
CATTLE RUSTLING
One of the reasons contributing to cattle rustling is that police officers do not make a point to recover and return stolen animals.
Communities in the valley have co-existed peacefully for hundreds of years, save for occasional livestock theft.
Police and other security agencies do not respond effectively when rustlers strike.
On countless occasions, peace-loving residents of the valley have volunteered information to police about the bad elements in their midst but get disappointed because no action is taken.
Some “warriors” take to stealing cattle because of poverty. Others think it is the only way they can get animals for bride price.
The people of Kerio want better health, education, agriculture and other services, just like the rest of Kenya.
Security officials should be serious and help us end cattle rustling and insecurity.
COSMAS RC LOTIRGHOR, Elgeyo-Marakwet.
