NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 10 – Baringo County has announced plans to compensate locals who have lost their animals to cattle rustling and banditry.
Governor Benjamin Cheboi, speaking in Baringo at the weekend, assured pastoralists affected by the loss of their animals that the county government would register them and provide restocking support through special funds.
“We want to register all those who lost their animals because when we obtain the special funds, we can assist those who lost their goats by purchasing new ones and enabling them to start afresh,” he stated.
Governor Cheboi also called upon humanitarian aid organizations to extend assistance to Baringo County residents currently facing distress due to the impacts of cattle rustling and banditry.
“I appeal to institutions supporting people in distress to assist us with humanitarian aid. I call upon churches and development partners to lend a helping hand,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Governor Cheboi highlighted the need for a shift in strategy by the national government to effectively tackle the menace of banditry. He advocated for measures that would expose and hold accountable individuals involved in these criminal activities.
“We have invested considerable efforts in combating banditry, but the results have not been forthcoming. It is time for the government to employ a different approach,” he asserted.
Governor Cheboi proposed the identification and punishment of specific individuals responsible for acts of banditry as a more effective deterrent. He suggested that individuals caught engaging in killings should face severe consequences, including capital punishment.
“While we have engaged in disarmament efforts and dialogue with the perpetrators, they have not heeded our calls. The government must adopt a new strategy,” he added.