Following accusations from the government that bandits and cattle rustlers are responsible for the deaths of several people, Kenya will deploy troops in the country's drought-stricken north on Wednesday.
In the past six months, "marauding bandits and cattle rustling terrorists" have claimed the lives of nearly 100 citizens and 16 police officers in the Northern Rift Valley region, according to a statement released by the interior ministry late Monday.
In northern Kenya, conflicts over grazing and water sources or theft of animals are frequent among the communities of people who keep cattle.
According to the ministry, "the murderous gangs have increased their terror on innocent Kenyans and law enforcement authorities in recent days and in the process have burned down schools, police cars, and other social amenities."
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It continued by announcing a national emergency and directing citizens to turn in any illegal firearms within the following three days due to the forced evacuation of hundreds of people from their homes.
According to a gazetted notification released by the government on Monday, "On the 15th (of) February 2023, the Kenya Defence Forces shall be deployed in support of the National Police Service in response to the security emergency... caused by numerous acts of banditry."
Parliament must first approve the deployment.
In September, livestock rustlers in northern Turkana county killed at least 11, including eight police and a local chief.
In a remote area of Kenya's dry north called Baragoi, more than 40 police officers were slain in an ambush in November 2012 while they hunted down livestock thieves.
Additionally, two attacks by livestock rustlers in northern Kenya in August 2019 resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including three children.
After five failed rainy seasons wiped off livestock and crops, Kenya, the most dynamic economy in East Africa, is suffering from its worst drought in four decades.
