The best news in a long time from the banditry-prone northwestern region is that guns are falling silent. It is a welcome development, bringing a halt to the long-standing menace, thanks to the deployment of security agencies, including the military, to deal with the problem.
Bandit attacks have decreased significantly. However, it is too early to celebrate, as a resurgence of cattle rustling and bloodshed cannot be fully ruled out. There is still work to do to secure West Pokot and neighbouring counties.
The leaders and residents must remain cautious as the problem is far from over. Sustained peace requires security operations and community engagement as this region's development has been hampered by criminal gangs.
For more than three decades, the people living on the Turkana-West Pokot border have struggled to survive under the threat of banditry, which fuels the lucrative cattle rustling for the masterminds, who sell the meat as far as Nairobi and other towns. The disarmament operation is already paying dividends, as the locals now have a chance to turn the peace they are now enjoying into development. Insecurity disrupts farming and livestock rearing, leaving a trail of deaths and destruction.
With the bandits active in the surrounding hills and valleys, the people’s movement is restricted. They now need to rebuild their lives, with the provision of water and other necessities. Like other Kenyans, these people also need electricity, jobs, and irrigation to boost agriculture.
The risk of a resurgence of cattle rustling remains a major concern in West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo, and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties. Police and the military must maintain a strong presence and continue to recover illegal firearms. Developing infrastructure and schools will help to remove the root causes of conflict.
A long-term effort is needed to address the socio-economic challenges such as poverty and rampant unemployment that create a fertile ground for banditry. These include the lack of education and positive engagement for young people who easily get recruited into bandit gangs.
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