• The MP said cattle rustlers come from Isiolo but there hasn't been any serious follow up on cases after suspects cross the border.
• MP Abdikadir said the raids have continued unabated, adding that there were two incidents on Tuesday night where thieves stole 300 sheep- goats in Medina and Bulo.
Image: PCS
Lagdera residents want President William Ruto to extend operations to flush out bandits in the area, citing rampant attacks that have left scores injured and livestock stolen.
Area MP Abdikadir Hussein Mohamed told the press in Nairobi on Wednesday that they are suffering sporadic attacks by organised armed criminals who terrorise residents almost daily.
“There have been consistent attacks in my constituency which have drastically escalated in the last one month, to be specific, 10 raids within a month,” he said.
The MP said cattle rustlers come from Isiolo but there hasn't been any serious follow up on cases after suspects cross the border.
“Some 426 camels and more than 3,000 sheep-goats have been stolen during sporadic incidents of insecurity by armed bandits from Isiolo county,” the MP said.
MP Abdikadir said the raids have continued unabated, adding that there were two incidents on Tuesday night where thieves stole 300 sheep- goats in Medina and Bulo.
The MP alleged there was a ready market for the stolen animals in Merti subcounty.
“While we appreciate efforts made by security officers in Lagdera and Garbatulla, there seems to be an already set up black market in Merti where herds stolen from Garissa and Wajir counties are sold to awaiting brokers,” the legislator said.
The animals that get to the market are never recovered, he said.
“This is a well-organised crime and might be known to the security apparatus in Merti subcounty,” Abdikadir stated.
“Following the directives by the President that this kind of menace has to come to an end, I wish to ask the national security agencies to heed the cries of Lagdera people which cannot be tolerated anymore.”
He wants the government to establish anti-stock theft or GSU camps on the borders of Garissa and Isiolo counties.
The MP also wants the government to speed up responses to distress calls raised by residents to dismantle the black market.
“The government should also investigate the involvement of the National Police Reservists from Isiolo in these attacks,” Abdikadir said, adding that the reservists are suspected of being involved in the raids.
The MP further wants the government to provide operational support to police working in the area, saying they are inadequately resourced.
“Efforts by security agencies in Lagdera and Garbatulla subcounties have been hampered by lack of enough personnel and scarcity of fuel for the few available police vehicles,” Abdikadir said.