The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Two herders were killed and two others seriously injured following an armed raid on a village in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County, on June 5.
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According to police reports, the attackers struck the Marti area, wounding two victims and making off with an undisclosed number of goats. The injured herders are currently receiving treatment in hospital and are in critical condition.
Responding swiftly, security officers engaged the raiders in a gun battle and successfully recovered the stolen livestock. However, the attackers managed to escape, prompting a manhunt amid growing tensions and concerns over possible revenge attacks.
The deceased were taken to the mortuary awaiting postmortem examinations.
The incident occurred despite ongoing security efforts under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a crackdown launched in 2024 to combat livestock theft and other criminal activities in the region.
The multi-agency operation, which has seen progress in reducing crime in Marsabit and surrounding counties, focuses on known hotspots including Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Isiolo. Despite these efforts, isolated attacks still occur.
Beyond security enforcement, the government is adopting a broader strategy that includes long-term investment in development and livelihood support across the Northern Frontier and the Kerio Valley region.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the need to involve local communities in curbing cattle rustling and promoting legal economic alternatives.
He unveiled plans to distribute subsidized agricultural inputs and offer extension services to encourage farming as a substitute to livestock theft.
“Our mission is not just to go after the criminals, but to dismantle the entire network that fuels livestock rustling,” said Murkomen, adding that all National Police Reservists will undergo a fresh vetting process.
