This archive report was first published on 6 July 2021.
As the conflict between pastoralist communities in Kajiado County continues, authorities have taken a tough stance against cattle rustling. In a recent move, County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha issued a shoot-to-kill order against suspects believed to be involved in the crime.
The order was issued as a measure against the region's perennial cattle rustling problem, which has seen the theft of over 1,000 sheep in the last six months. The perpetrators have also been accused of poisoning guard dogs in the area, forcing livestock farmers to hold overnight vigils to guard their herds.
According to Commissioner Nkanatha, the authorities have recently arrested four suspected cartel leaders and are promising to round up more suspects in the fight against cattle rustling. The authorities also believe that business people and some security officers are involved in the illegal practice.
Despite the efforts of the authorities, the problem of cattle rustling persists. In 2016, laws that listed cattle rustling as an offence were gazetted as an Amendment to Cap. 63 of the Penal Code. The section now reads: 'A person who steals livestock commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than fifteen years.'
Section 278B further reads: 'A person who receives livestock or livestock produce, knowing or having reason to believe it to be stolen, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than fifteen years.'
The government has initiated various initiatives in the past to resolve the problem, including joint community discussions and the confiscation of illegal firearms. However, the menace of cattle rustling continues to plague the region, leading to unnecessary community rivalries and the loss of life and property.
