Turkana leaders demand action after bandits kill three, drive away livestock

Residents of Turkana East and Turkana South are demanding urgent government action following a resurgence of bandit attacks that has left three people dead and hundreds of livestock stolen in the past two weeks.

The attacks have renewed fears among communities that had enjoyed relative calm for nearly three years, with local leaders now calling for heightened security and the recovery of the stolen animals.

The latest incident was reported in Lokwar Nakuse village on Thursday, where residents say armed cattle rustlers raided a homestead, killing three people and driving away livestock.

Residents say the losses have left families struggling to cope, with one resident estimating that thousands of animals were stolen during the raids.

“Idadi ya hiyo mbuzi yote ni kama elfu 5 na kitu... kama watu wa hapa tunalalamikia hasara kama hiyo tayari watu 3 wamekufa mwingine amepata jeraha tunalalamika kabisa,” a resident from Logum Village Josepg Elibach said.

Residents also accused security agencies of failing to respond effectively to the attacks, saying they were left vulnerable despite the presence of security forces in the area.

“Sisi tunalalamikia Murkomen Murkomen akuwe fair kwa disarmament... Saizi bandits wenye wako na bunduki wamekuja kutupiga hapa na serikali haijafanya kitu,” another resident Abel Lorot said.

Another resident questioned why attacks were continuing despite the deployment of multiple security agencies to the region.

“Inashangaza kuona kwamba mambo haya yote yanatokea na already hapa tuko na KDF, ASTU, SOG pamoja na Police tunauliza tutasaidika vipi?” Emuria Loyomo posed.

Similar raids have also been reported in Kamuge and Lokori villages in Turkana East over the past two weeks.

The attacks have sparked criticism of the ongoing firearms crackdown, with some residents blaming the SOG forces for taking away firearms without addressing the security threats they say followed.

“Tunataka SOG wakomeshe operesheni zao za kuchukua bunduki, waturudishie sababu kuchukua hiyo bunduki imetuletea shida kabisa,” Esanyanait Secretary Julius Loyolo added.

Three days after the latest attack, residents said none of the stolen livestock had been recovered, heightening pressure on the government to act.

Turkana leaders have also threatened to suspend oil exploration activities by Gulf Energy until security is restored and the stolen animals recovered.

James Lomenen, Turkana Senator said, “We unanimously agree to suspend all Gulf operations until we will be assured of our security.”

The leaders argue that oil exploration and other economic activities cannot continue as communities face attacks and lose their livelihoods.

They are now calling for stronger security operations, recovery of the stolen livestock and guarantees of safety before the resumption of operations.