Theft of Samburu cattle earns man 60 years in prison

A court in Samburu has sentenced a convicted cattle driver to 60 years in prison in a precedent-setting case, after finding him guilty of two charges of theft with violence.

Ekano Lokadaa was arrested in Lonyek area in August 2023 amid escalating gun violence that left dozens dead and property stolen or destroyed in several parts of Samburu West.

His arrest followed evidence linking him to several robbery incidents that destroyed the livelihoods of local livestock farmers.

During the trial, prosecutors described Lokadaa’s involvement in the organized crime network, making it difficult for security forces to track stolen livestock in the Samburu West region.

The court was told that his actions, carried out together with others who were still at large, had had serious consequences for the local pastoralist community, which is heavily dependent on livestock for its survival.

In one charge, Lokadaa was accused of robbing Pulanti Lenyalwa of 20 cattle worth Sh5 million while armed with dangerous guns.

Another charge details Lokadaa’s role in the theft of 27 cattle worth Sh1.35 million from Mr Lematon Lepalkimoi.

“This is a serious crime. Let the court impose a necessary punishment on him that he deserves,” the prosecutor said.

The then Chief Magistrate of Maralal, James Wanyanga, ruled that the prosecution had proven the charges against Lokadaa “beyond reasonable doubt”.

He noted that the evidence presented met the required legal standards, providing a strong argument for the conviction of the suspect.

Lokadaa’s conviction was handed down by new Maralal Chief Magistrate Victor Asiyo.

“The prosecutors have proven the charges to the required standard,” Asiyo said as he handed down the sentence on Monday.

Lokadaa’s 30-year prison sentence for each charge will run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of 30 years unless he appeals.

Despite Lokadaa’s plea for leniency, Mr Asiyo took into account the seriousness of the offenses and sentenced Lokadaa in reflection of the damage caused to local communities.

Lokadaa was given 14 days to appeal the verdict.

The cattle theft crisis in Samburu West has escalated over the past 19 months, with banditry resulting in multiple fatalities, widespread displacement and long-lasting trauma among local communities.

Families across the region, still recovering from repeated attacks, continue to face the enormous challenge of rebuilding their lives amid persistent threats and deep-seated trauma.

Thousands of displaced herders are left without homes after being forced to abandon their properties for safety, as cattle rustling continues to devastate the region.