The Transfer of KMC to MOD :
KMC has been transferred from Department of livestock to Ministry of defence, it’s a strategic move to curb the financial muscles of politician who’ve been benefiting and having their campaign sponsored by proceeds from cattle rustling. FYI, cattle rustling cost the Kenya economy 51.78 Billion between 2014-2016 FY. This is according to a policy brief series by IGAD Centre for pastoral Areas-and Livestock Development(ICPALD).
Livestock rustling remains a major cause of insecurity and conflicts among the pastoral communities in the ASAL of Kenya. The raiders have transitioned from using crude weapons to sosphicated weaponry, specifically AK 47s that have led to dozens of lives being lost.
Idleness, unemployment and poverty are among the factors influencing this vice but Political instigation is the main factor.
38 police officers died in Suguta Valley in November 2012, they were massacred by cattle rustler. Therefore transferring KMC to MOD means, they’ve curbed the gun trade and selling of ammunition in the ASAL areas. The raiders source of income has been sliced.
Politicians who have been buying cattle from raiders cheaply will now have to find another source of income since MOD will strictly verify the seller’s and origin of the cattle before buying.
All I can say is, this is a major step that Matiangi and Mr Natembeya, have taken to curb cattle rustling and rogue politicians who are the major beneficiaries of the instability caused by rustlers in the ASAL regions.
The down side of course is that the price of meat is likely to climb affecting us all .
