Authorities have recovered 65 heads of cattle in Loreng, Letea Ward in Turkana County, alleged to have been stolen from the Jie community of Uganda along the Kenya-Uganda border.

Speaking in a meeting with the community members in Loreng, Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita said the animals will be returned to Uganda in the spirit of peacebuilding and to prevent possible retaliatory raids.

Further, he reiterated the government’s commitment to enhance cross-border peace through continuous engagement with the communities in the neighboring countries and the need to stop the cattle rustling tradition that has exposed the areas to never-ending insecurity.

According to the Commissioner, the animals were recovered through an elaborate network of police reservists and the Rangeland Management Committee, a community resource structure established by USAID NAWIRI to encourage cross-border peace through shared utilization of pasture and water resources between Turkana and its neighbors.

Kavita warned bandits of firm and decisive action against anyone engaging in cattle rustling.

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“We have partnered with USAID NAWIRI and the Kenya Red Cross Society in finding a lasting solution to cattle-related conflicts through peace-building initiatives within the county.”

The County Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs, Joseph Epuu, said plans were underway to connect the USAID NAWIRI-established boy and girl groups with inclusive funds offered by the county under the Biashara Women and Youth Funds.

He insisted that the governor was keen on peaceful coexistence between Turkana and all the neighbors, as evidenced by the county’s success in solving cattle-related conflicts.

For his part, Sericho Lokolong, the Senior Natural Resource Management and Peace Building Officer at USAID NAWIRI, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting peace-building efforts by the county and national governments through rangeland management and ward planning committees.

Residents of Loreng unanimously agreed to let the stolen cattle go, saying it is a good practice to reciprocate to soothe the area and allow peace and trade to thrive.