This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
On July 28, 2019, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya issued a disarmament order in six North Rift counties affected by cattle rustling.
Speaking at a meeting with security chiefs in Kabarnet, Natembeya ordered the security committees in Baringo, West Pokot, Samburu, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Laikipia counties to prepare an operation order within a month.
He vowed to lead the operation personally and emphasized the need for a thorough approach to eradicate the shameful acts of cattle rustling and banditry.
“It is now 56 years since independence, and we cannot be speaking of cattle rustling every day. We cannot allow this circus to go on perpetually. People will have to change their ways,” Natembeya said.
He cautioned politicians against politicizing the operation and urged them to remain neutral if they do not support it, warning that the law is clear and no one will be spared.
Natembeya also urged the media to take time and cover the operations, avoiding negative reporting without having firsthand information.
Security agencies are monitoring business people who are funding the bandits, and they too will be brought to book, Natembeya said.
He asked chiefs to clean up their areas, warning them of dire consequences if animals stolen pass through or are held in their locations without alerting security personnel.
The regional coordinator termed cattle rustling as commercial and not cultural, urging the youth to look for alternative legitimate income-generating avenues like dairy farming.
Baringo County Commissioner Mr. Henry Wafula said they were ready to implement the order and expressed hope that law and order would be restored in the region.
