Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said that chiefs from five counties, who often face problems with cattle thieves, will be registered and given guns to protect themselves.
The chiefs, who are from Meru, Isiolo, Marsabit, Laikipia, and Samburu, expressed that they can identify the cattle thieves but feel unsafe and fear for their lives.
Murkomen made this announcement after meeting with security teams in Isiolo to talk about long-term solutions to the ongoing livestock thefts.
“We have understood the problem and are looking for a lasting solution,” Murkomen said.
He also instructed that all chiefs working in dangerous areas will receive extra protection.
“Chiefs who are in danger should give us their names. We will train them on how to use guns and provide them with arms and National Police Reservists (NPR) officers to help protect them,” he added.
This decision came after chiefs reported that they knew the cattle thieves but were afraid to make arrests because of threats and a lack of safety.
Murkomen also mentioned that armed NPR officers would be chosen by the community and the government, not by politicians, to assist these chiefs.
“The chiefs must name the cattle thieves, and they must be arrested. We will arm them for their safety,” he said.
The government plans to also target those who lead the cattle thefts and those who profit from it.
“We will go after not just the thieves but also those buying the stolen livestock and selling guns, whether they are police or anyone else,” Murkomen warned.
Cattle theft continues to be a serious issue, especially between the Borana and Samburu communities.
