The government has intensified its operation in Isiolo following renewed cattle rustling incidents that have claimed five lives in the last three days.
The three were killed separately by bandits believed to be from a neighbouring county, on a mission to steal livestock in Kambi Garba, Ola Bule and Boji Dera villages.
The bandits reportedly raided the villages, driving away more than 500 cattle and 300 goats. The latest incident occurred on Sunday when the bandits raided Boji Dera manyatta in Isiolo South, shooting indiscriminately and killing two people.
The other victim was killed the day before, when raiders attacked Ole Bule village. According to Hassan Guyo, the 22-year-old was switching off the lights at his shop when the bandits fired shots.
A bullet hit the victim on the chest, killing him on the spot. The raids have prompted Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Administration Police, Gilbert Masengeli and top security personnel to visit the area.
Masengeli told members of the public that the security personnel were pursuing the perpetrators.
“I want to give an assurance that we are closing down on the criminals who are hell bent on destabilising peace and security. We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice,” Masengeli said.
He urged residents to remain calm and maintain peace.
“Once we arrest them, they will face charges, including murder and robbery with violence,” he said.
The operation has already started bearing fruit, Masengeli said, highlighting that stolen livestock have been recovered.
The DIG toured all the affected villages in the company of the county leadership, led by governor Abdi Guyo. Guyo asked the government to rein in on bandits who have constantly carried out deadly attacks.
The county boss said it was the state’s responsibility to ensure people’s lives and their property are protected.
“We will not allow bandits to reign terror on our people as if there is no government in place. These raids must be brought to an end and people left to go about their normal businesses without the fear of being raided or killed by marauding bandits,” Guyo said.
The governor said his administration will continue to cooperate with the national security agencies saying the raids have derailed development.
“These latest attacks are a painful reminder of the challenges we face everyday in the hands of criminals, but as the area governor I want to say that we will not let fear or violence define us. Together, we will overcome and ensure that our people live and peacefully coexist,” he added.
Tension remained high on
Monday as residents expressed
fear of fresh attacks, fuelled by
competition for water and pasture
and boundary disputes.
