A recent report has revealed a worrying transformation in banditry and cattle rustling in 13 counties.

The study says more than 300 people were killed since last year, with a higher number of injuries recorded.

The increased use of terrorist-type violence against victims, including unarmed and vulnerable groups such as women and children, shows that modern cattle rustling has evolved considerably from traditional cattle rustling practices.

The National Crime and Research Centre (NCRC) report shows that perpetrators are now using modern weapons, mainly assault rifles, alongside traditional weapons like bows, arrows and knives.

Titled “Preliminary Report on Managing the Dangerous Outbreak of Cattle Rustling and Banditry in Kenya,” the report reveals that the weapons often come from cross-border suppliers, local businessmen and even politicians.

Increasing commercialisation is now driving this trend, with an increase in the frequency of raids and the number of animals stolen.

The quest to meet the growing demand for stolen livestock and their products has transformed what was once a cultural practice into an organized criminal enterprise.

“Other important factors that support current cattle rustling and banditry include historical ethnic or inter-communal hostility, inter-communal competition for scarce natural or economic resources, socio-cultural reasons, an inadequately regulated market for livestock-related products, cycles of revenge, the need to replenish stocks after livestock loss during droughts, the acceptance of cattle rustling and banditry as an accepted norm by local communities, marginalization from the development of pastoral areas and political motivation,” the report notes.

The study, which covered Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, Laikipia, Marsabit, Samburu and West Pokot counties, revealed that different regions are experiencing unique aspects of this evolving crime.

However, some common factors have emerged across the affected areas.

The main factors behind these activities include the proliferation of illegal small arms, high levels of illiteracy among youth, poverty and the government’s failure to provide adequate security to vulnerable communities.

The report identifies the different actors involved. Unemployed youth, including community fighters and gangs, are at the forefront.

However, dissident politicians, businessmen, community elders and even government officials, including some security personnel, encourage these crimes.

The elders have been accused of recruiting looters, offering spiritual support and helping to hide stolen livestock and weapons.

The report cites women and children as part of the problem.

“The main roles of women would include: hero worship and veneration (e.g. through songs of praise) of successful young cattle rustlers and bandits; kitchen for cattle thieves and bandits; helping to hide and move stolen livestock; and participating in the socialization of children into cattle rustling and banditry.”

Children are reportedly used to hide and move stolen animals as well as gather information on potential targets.

The study also reveals a trend in the timing of these criminal activities. Most incidents occur during weekends, especially Sundays, and at night.

Raids peak during rainy and drought seasons, as well as during festive periods.

“Again, most incidents occurred during the months of December, followed by April and then November, reinforcing another finding that most incidents occurred during the rainy season, followed by the dry season and then the festive season. Furthermore, most incidents occurred during the Christmas festive season, followed by the community cultural festival season.”

According to the report, men, particularly those aged 34 and under, were the most affected by such incidents, with this trend observed in eight of the 13 counties.

“Mapping of the movements and/or destinations of livestock stolen during theft and banditry incidents showed that most of the stolen animals (75.5%) ended up in neighbouring counties; 21.1% ended up in the same local community where they were stolen; 18.5% ended up in other communities in the county where they were stolen; and 10.4% ended up in distant non-neighbouring counties,” the report added.

The report highlights that the nature of modern banditry poses a significant threat to national security. It calls for a shift from the current militarised approach to a security-based intervention.

In 2022, President William Ruto pledged to end chronic banditry. He launched Operation Maliza Uhalifu early last year and pledged Sh2 billion for it. But the crimes continue.

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