Migori County residents from different border villages have been living in constant fear due to continued nighttime raids, forcing them to live with their cows in their houses.

Due to the raids, they’ve lost so many people who try to defend themselves, they have lost so many cattle, and even other people have left with injuries

Local leaders claim that in the last year, armed bandits have repeatedly invaded their homes, forcing them to sleep in shifts to guard their cattle.\

One resident Okidi said”They’re armed with guns, they shoot and kill”

Community elders confirm that at least 10-12 households have lost cattle in the past few months.

This alone has led the farmers to believe that their source of income is threatened. Parents also claim they can’t release their children to go to school due to the security issues.

Security Challenges

County police have acknowledged the frequent attacks but claim that the difficult terrain border routes in Tanzania make it hard to track the raiders, but they’re looking for long-term resolutions.

Local Leaders and the security personnel insist that defeating the bandits not only needs force but reconciliation and rehabilitation.

Security Resolutions

Migori County Commissioner’s office says they’re already planning on the reinforcements from the national police, as chiefs are also urging the community residents to share any information about the attacks despite fears of being attacked again.

Local elders are also exploring ways of solving the border conflicts as they only wish for a peaceful living again.

Cattle keeping is their main source of wealth and dowry.

Due to the raids,the villagers believe they won’t be able to engage in trading activities and that the villagers request urgent intervention by the security officers.