Authorities in Turkana County have retrieved 65 heads of cattle in Loreng, Letea Ward, reportedly taken from the Jie community of Uganda along the Kenya-Uganda border.
Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita declared the intention to return the animals to Uganda, emphasizing the gesture’s importance in fostering peace and preventing potential retaliatory actions.
During a community gathering in Loreng, Letea Ward, Commissioner Kavita reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting cross-border peace through sustained dialogue with neighboring communities.
He also stressed the necessity of ending the cycle of cattle rustling, which has perpetuated insecurity in the region.
The Commissioner credited the recovery of the animals to the collaborative efforts of police reservists and the Rangeland Management Committee, a community initiative supported by USAID NAWIRI.
This program aims to encourage peace by facilitating the shared use of pasture and water resources between Turkana and neighboring areas.
Kavita issued a stern warning to bandits involved in cattle rustling, promising decisive action against such criminal activities.
“We are collaborating with USAID NAWIRI and the Kenya Red Cross Society to address cattle-related conflicts through peace-building initiatives,” Commissioner Kavita stated.
Joseph Epuu, the County Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs, outlined plans to integrate youth groups established by USAID NAWIRI with county-funded initiatives like the Biashara Women and Youth Funds.
He underscored the governor’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence with neighboring communities, citing successful efforts to resolve cattle-related conflicts.
Sericho Lokolong, a Senior Natural Resource Management and Peace Building Officer at USAID NAWIRI reiterated the organization’s dedication to supporting peace-building endeavors by local and national authorities through initiatives such as rangeland management and ward planning committees.
Local residents of Loreng unanimously agreed to the return of the stolen cattle, viewing it as a positive step towards pacifying the region and enabling peaceful trade.
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