A surge in cattle theft incidents across Borabu Constituency
in Nyamira County has triggered fear and unrest among residents, with local
leaders now calling for swift government intervention to restore security.
The problem, which reportedly began in early November 2024
with isolated night raids, has escalated into frequent cross-border incursions,
with stolen livestock believed to be hidden in forested areas bordering Bomet
and Narok counties.
Local Member of Parliament, Patrick Osero, said the wave of
livestock thefts was impacting livelihoods and threatening the region’s
economy.
“We have already lost
12 cows in the last two weeks alone,” Osero said on Sunday, as he prepared to
meet residents in the Laitigo area, near the Bomet border, which has been particularly
affected.
“The ripple effect on the local economy is evident. Many
families depend on dairy farming, and with these thefts increasing, the milk
supply to local and national creameries is now under threat,” he added, speaking
from his Kijauri residence.
The MP noted that the existing security personnel in the
area, around 20 Anti-Stock Theft Unit officers, are insufficient to contain the
increasing cases.
He cited a recent redeployment of officers to other regions
as a contributing factor to the vulnerability in Borabu.
Osero urged the national government to bolster security
operations, particularly along the Kisii-Nyamira-Narok border, which he said
had become a hotspot for livestock theft.
“People near the borders are not sleeping. Some are taking
turns to guard their cows at night,” he stated.
The attacks are reportedly carried out at night, with
rustlers targeting villages and driving livestock away under the cover of
darkness.
Some past incidents have even led to fatalities during
attempts by residents to resist the raids.
Residents have begun forming community watch groups to
safeguard their livestock.
“It’s a traditional method, but we have to use it for our
survival,” said Naftal Matoke, a local farmer.
“We hope the government will act to protect our homes and
herds.”
Osero further called for the deployment of forest guards to
monitor government forests where stolen animals are allegedly hidden.
“These unmonitored
areas have become easy hideouts for the culprits,” he said.
