A recent study reveals a troubling decline in the value placed on human life, as evidenced by a rising number of injuries and fatalities linked to livestock rustling and banditry.
Conducted by the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC), the study indicates that over 300 people have died in related violence since last year.
It highlights a disturbing trend toward terrorism-like violence and the increasing use of advanced weaponry during these incidents.
Released last month, the study, titled Managing the Dangerous Drift in Livestock Rustling and Banditry in Kenya, focuses on counties including Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, Kitui, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru, Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot, Tana River, Kisumu, and Nandi.
It details how each county experiences unique challenges related to the raids.
Key findings include a rise in the commercialization of rustling and banditry, a dramatic increase in violence with higher numbers of injuries and deaths, frequent and intense raids, and a surge in stolen livestock.
The study identifies Laikipia, West Pokot, Samburu, Meru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, Turkana, Baringo, and Marsabit as the most affected counties.
The NCRC report also points to several new trends: large-scale population displacement, the use of vehicles and motorcycles to transport stolen livestock.
A shift from cultural practices to organized crime, greater involvement of politicians in these activities, and the use of modern technology such as mobile phones during raids.
Furthermore, the destruction of infrastructure, including homes and schools, is highlighted.
The study underscores the growing role of women in these crimes, the weakening influence of community elders over young raiders, and the increasing use of livestock theft and banditry for political purposes, including territorial disputes and competition.
Drivers behind these raids are identified as the commercialization of rustling and banditry, insufficient government security for vulnerable communities, the spread of illegal firearms.
High levels of youth ignorance and poverty, longstanding ethnic tensions, and competition for limited resources.
However, in Kisumu and Nandi counties, the spread of illegal arms was not found to be a significant factor.
Additionally, inadequate regulation of livestock markets was a major driver in most counties, excluding Nandi, Tana River, Kitui, and Turkana.
In many counties, revenge cycles and the need to replenish livestock lost during droughts also played a significant role, though this was less evident in Kisumu, Nandi, Tana River, and Meru.
The NCRC study concludes that livestock rustling has evolved, necessitating a comprehensive and multi-agency approach to address the complex and growing threat to national security.
Current methods focusing primarily on militarization and policing have met with limited success.
