National Assembly Committee Urges Samburu Leaders to Collaborate with Security Agencies for Peace Restoration

Samburu/Baringo Border, Kenya – The National Assembly Security Committee has emphasized the need for Samburu leaders to engage more actively with security agencies to bring peace to the volatile Samburu/Baringo border area. The committee, headed by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, believes that local leaders play a crucial role in resolving conflicts, whether over pasture or land, and establishing lasting peace.

According to Kenya News Agency, who spoke to the Kenya News Agency (KNA), the committee is currently conducting an oversight mission in Samburu Central to assess the ongoing security operations. The region has been plagued by persistent banditry and cattle rustling, leading to numerous fatalities, including among security officers. The committee’s objective is to identify security gaps and challenges faced by security officers. Findings from their investigation will be reported to Parliament and, upon approval, forwarded to the relevant ministry for implementation.

Suguta Marmar MCA James Leleruk pointed out that the conflict along the Samburu-Baringo border is primarily a land dispute, evidenced by the displacement of over 250 families from their homes in Pura, Lolmolog, and Longewan villages in the past year. He emphasized that the conflict is more about land ownership than competition over pasture.

Leleruk also highlighted the challenges posed by the rough terrain between the two counties, which has become a haven for bandits due to the lack of security roads, making it difficult for security officers to pursue them effectively.

Samburu Central Deputy County Commissioner Tutus Omanyi briefed the security committee on various challenges hampering the security operations. Among the key issues are the absence of security roads and inadequate remuneration for National Police Reservists (NPR).

The Teso North legislator, Oku Kaunya, was joined by Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere and Mandera East MP Hussein Wetan in this crucial mission. Their joint efforts underscore the commitment of the Kenyan government to address the security concerns in the region and to foster peace and stability in the affected communities.