Baringo County Governor Benjamin Cheboi has announced plans to compensate locals who have lost their animals to cattle rustling and banditry.
Speaking in Baringo over the weekend, Cheboi 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”
The governor also urged humanitarian aid organizations to assist Baringo County residents who were currently facing distress due to cattle rustling and banditry impacts.
“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 said.
Additionally, Governor Cheboi highlighted the need for a shift in strategy by the national government to tackle the menace of banditry effectively.
He advocated for measures to 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.”
Governor Cheboi proposed identifying and punishing 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.
