Residents of Maralal town, Samburu County during a peaceful demonstration in 2024 following the killing of Angata Nanyekie Ward MCA Paul Leshimpiro.
An uneasy calm is slowly returning to parts of Samburu County where residents have endured weeks of terror at the hands of heavily armed bandits.
Several areas that had become hotspots for cattle rustling and violent ambushes are now experiencing a lull in attacks for the first time this year though fear still lingers.
Security authorities attribute the reduced incidents to recent interventions that were rolled out following a surge in banditry.
“We are seeing some improvement but we are still living in fear. Gunmen are still among us, especially here in Samburu West,” said Wilson Lengojine, a local elder.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other security units from the National Police Service (NPS) have maintained a heavy presence in the most affected areas including Longewan, Pura and Lolmolok in Samburu West.
In the last two months, about 18 people have been killed by gunmen while several others are recovering from life threatening injuries at various health facilities.
Earlier this month, the government deployed an additional group of National Police Reservists (NPRs) to help combat the escalating insecurity in Samburu West. The 175 newly trained reservists graduated after a month long training with General Service Unit (GSU) officers in the Ltungai area of Samburu West Constituency.
They have since joined local police and military units in the ongoing operation to curb banditry.
Since 2023, over 500 police reservists have been recruited as part of the government’s initiative to restore order along the volatile corridor.
Samburu County Commissioner John Cheruiyot on Tuesday saiid the reservists are tasked with supporting existing security forces in maintaining peace and protecting residents.
“They are working to restore calm in the region, and their core mandate is to ensure the safety of citizens and their property,” Mr Cheruiyot said.
In a parallel effort, Samburu County has turned to sports as a tool for building peace, reducing ethnic tensions and fostering trust among rival communities.
Under the theme “Building synergies on grassroots talent development, climate change, and peace through sports” the initiative brings together more than 3,000 youth from across the county including from traditionally warring communities such as the Samburu and Turkana.
“We are seeking to nurture young talent. But above all, these games are a tool for promoting peace and cohesion in Samburu County,” said Deputy Governor Gabriel Lenengwesi.
For years, the region has been plagued by clashes over grazing resources and livestock theft often resulting in deadly confrontations between pastoralist groups.
Mr Lenengwesi believes sports offer a powerful way to ease hostilities and build bonds.
The programme has received backing from the county government and development partners who view it as a sustainable grassroots alternative to military crackdowns.
Governor Lati Lelelit praised the initiative noting that it gives young people pride and purpose beyond cattle herding and conflict.
Officials are optimistic that such peacebuilding efforts will help heal the scars of frequent violence. The state also plans to support peace talks led by local elders and conflict resolution experts.
Gondieki@ke.nationmedia.com
