This archive report was first published on 9 November 2021.
On November 9, 2021, the National government took a bold step to enhance security in Baragoi by banning the grazing of livestock within the town and its outskirts.
The decision was made in the wake of a recent cattle rustling incident that saw 14 people killed and over 1,000 cattle stolen, as well as another person seriously injured after being shot near Natiti Primary School.
Chairman of the Samburu Security Committee and Samburu County Commissioner Abdrizak Jaldesa called on herders to vacate the town immediately, warning that failure to do so would result in the confiscation of their livestock.
According to Jaldesa, the continuous grazing of livestock in Baragoi town and its environs has been causing conflicts among herders from the Samburu and Turkana communities.
“Whenever herders from Samburu and Turkana communities spot each other, conflict must arise, and Baragoi town should be a buffer zone to contain the conflict,” he said.
He noted that the directive is already being implemented through Samburu North Deputy County Commissioner and elders from Bendera and Ngilai villages.
By working together, Jaldesa expressed hope that the communities would bring long-term peace and ensure that travelers are not afraid due to insecurity.
