Security forces have recovered livestock stolen during a cross-border armed raid in Turkana, in an operation that helped defuse growing tensions along the volatile Kenya-Uganda border.
The raid took place on the night of June 25, 2025, when a group of suspected Turkana youths reportedly crossed into Uganda and drove away several heads of cattle. The incident prompted a swift response from Ugandan security officials, who alerted their Kenyan counterparts. A joint effort between the two countries’ security forces was immediately launched to pursue the raiders and recover the stolen livestock.
By the morning of June 27, the National Police Service had intercepted the suspects, recovering the animals after a brief gunfight. The raiders fled the scene, abandoning the livestock. Authorities have since secured the animals and are conducting a verification process to ensure they are returned to their rightful owners.
The recovered cattle represent a critical source of livelihood and cultural identity for pastoralist communities in Turkana and other arid regions of northern Kenya. This latest incident underscores the ongoing challenge of cattle rustling, a practice that, while historically linked to tradition and social status, has evolved into a highly dangerous activity. Modern cattle raids are often armed and violent, driven by factors such as the widespread availability of illicit firearms, youth unemployment, and worsening environmental conditions like drought and desertification.
Turkana, which lies along a largely unmonitored border with Uganda, continues to be a hotspot for such raids. The region is particularly vulnerable due to limited government presence, shrinking grazing lands, and historical grievances between cross-border communities. These conditions have fueled cycles of violence and resource-based conflict.
Security agencies praised the swift coordination with Ugandan forces as a sign of improving regional cooperation. Nonetheless, the armed nature of the incident has reignited debate about the effectiveness of ongoing disarmament efforts. Despite previous initiatives aimed at curbing illegal firearm possession, many weapons remain in circulation, contributing to instability.
Authorities have vowed to increase surveillance along the Kenya-Uganda border and are urging local leaders and elders to support peace initiatives. Community engagement and provision of alternatives for at-risk youth were emphasized as essential strategies in addressing the root causes of violence. Investigations into the raid are ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying those responsible and dismantling any organized networks involved.
