Samburu, Maasai Elders Help Recover 47 Stolen Cows

Peaceful dialogue between Samburu and Maasai elders coupled with joint efforts by the police and rangers from Naibung’a Community Conservancy have ensured the safe return of 47 head of stolen livestock from Tiamamut village in Laikipia.

Mr Loibara Ole Mosiany’s manyatta, at the border of Isiolo and Laikipia, was raided on the night of July 25 2020. Talks and a search operation began soon after, involving Naibunga Community Conservancy rangers, the police, the community conservancy management, NRT peace teams, conservancy peace teams, community elders and others.

Efforts from the community conservancy and NRT were supported by USAID, The Nature Conservancy, DANIDA, the EU, SIDA, Conservation International, and Government security agencies.

It took the joint teams 21 days to recover the livestock from Samburu County.

During the handover ceremony in Tiamamut village, which took place in early September, Lenanyankera Ndiba, a Samburu elder, stressed the importance of peaceful, constructive dialogue in the recovery of stolen livestock. He said that forcible seizure is normally ineffective in these situations, and that the use of firearms and force in most cases results in the loss of lives and delays the repossession.

“I immediately joined the search team when we heard that footprints of the stolen animals had been traced in Learata and helped convene a series of meetings that made the recovery successful,” said Mr Ndiba.

The elder said dialogue gives them hope that stolen animals could be traced and returned to the rightful owners and although it attracts some fines, it helps ensure peaceful coexistence among the warring communities.

After receiving his animals, an elated Mr Loibara praised the elders from the two communities and expressed optimism that the rest of his cows (23 have not yet been found) will be recovered and handed back to him.

“I am so happy that my cows have been recovered without fights and want to thank the elders and NRT for providing them with meals and accommodation and the vehicle for easy movement in search of the animals,” said Mr Loibara.

NRT Peace Coordinator Josphine Ekiru said NRT will continue engaging elders and partners in the search for the remaining cows.

“Dialogue has proved efficient in recovery of stolen livestock in the past and we will continue supporting elders in ensuring repossession without affecting the ties between neighbouring communities,” said Ms Ekiru.

She appealed to elders from Laikipia and Samburu to take a leading role in peace-building campaigns, and said youths should be at the forefront in peace initiatives.