A recent report has uncovered a disturbing transformation of banditry and cattle rustling across 13 counties. The study indicates that more than 300 people have been killed since last year, with a higher number of injuries recorded.

Increased use of terrorism-like violence against victims, including unarmed and vulnerable groups such as women and children, shows that the modern-day livestock rustling has evolved significantly from the traditional cattle raiding practices. 

The report by National Crime and Research Centre (NCRC) shows that perpetrators are now employing modern weaponry and primarily assault rifles alongside traditional weapons like bows, arrows and knives.

Titled “Preliminary Report on Managing the Dangerous Drift in Livestock Rustling and Banditry in Kenya”, the report reveals that the weapons are often sourced from cross-border suppliers, local businessmen and even politicians.

Increased commercialisation is now the driving force, with a rise in frequency of the raids and number of animals being stolen. 

The quest to meet a growing demand for stolen livestock and their products has turned what was once a cultural practice into an organised criminal enterprise.

“Other important drivers and factors sustaining present-day livestock rustling and banditry include historical ethnic or intercommunity hostility, inter-community competition for scarce natural or economic resources, socio-cultural reasons, an inadequately regulated market for livestock-related products, cycles of revenge, the need to restock after loss of livestock during droughts, acceptance of livestock rustling and banditry as a norm accepted by the local communities, developmental marginalisation of the pastoral cluster regions, and political motivation,” the report notes.

The study, which covered Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, Laikipia, Marsabit, Samburu, and West Pokot counties, found that different regions experience unique aspects of this evolving crime.

However, some common factors emerged across the affected areas.

Key drivers sustaining these activities include the proliferation of illegal small arms, high levels of illiteracy among the youth, poverty and the government’s inability to provide adequate security to vulnerable communities. 

The report identifies various actors involved. Unemployed male youth, including community warriors and gangs, are at the forefront.

However, politicians, business persons, community elders and even rogue government officials, including some security personnel, are abetting the crimes.

Elders have been accused of recruiting raiders, offering spiritual support and helping to conceal stolen livestock and weapons.

The report cites women and children as part of the problem.

“The main roles of women were reported to include: hero worship and cherishing (for example through praise songs) of successful youthful livestock rustlers and bandits; cooking for the livestock rustlers and bandits; helping in hiding and moving stolen livestock; and participating in the socialisation of children into livestock rustling and banditry.”

Children are reportedly used for hiding and moving stolen animals as well as gathering information on potential targets.

The study further reveals a pattern in the timing of these criminal activities. Most incidents occur during weekends, particularly on Sundays, and at night.

The raids peak during rainy and dry seasons, and festive periods.

“Again, most incidents happened during the months of December, followed by April and then November, thus reinforcing another finding that most incidents happened during the rainy seasons, followed by dry seasons and then festive seasons. Furthermore, most incidents were likely to occur during the Christmas festive season, followed by the season of community cultural festivals.”

According to the report, men, especially those aged 34 and below, suffered the most during such incidents, with this being the pattern in eight out of the 13 counties.

“Mapping of the movement and/or destinations of the livestock taken during incidents of rustling and banditry showed that most of the animals taken (75.5 per cent) ended up within the neighbouring counties; 21.1 per cent ended up within the same local community they had been stolen from; 18.5 per cent ended up in other communities within the county they had been stolen from; and 10.4 per cent ended up in distant counties not in the neighbourhood,” the report adds.

The report emphasises that the nature of modern banditry poses a significant threat to the national security. It calls for a change from the current militarised approach to security-based intervention.

In 2022, President William Ruto vowed to put an end to the perennial banditry. He launched Operation Maliza Uhalifu early last year and a commitment to allocate Sh2 billion to the operation. But the crimes continue. By Maryann Muganda, The Standard