Ikeny Kapua: "We have become weary of raids"

Ikeny Kapua, 33, is a commentator on issues facing pastoral communities in northern Kenya. He lives in Lokitaung on the northwestern shores of Lake Turkana. He spoke to IRIN about the links between cattle rustling and bartering, which he says has made life in Turkana District precarious.

"Barter trade is the connecting thread between cattle rustling and the livestock trade. As one fattened bull is bartered for 20 blankets, the need for more livestock in order to obtain more goods becomes greater. So more cattle raids are organised to support the growing commercial enterprise of cattle trade. Barter traders are some of the most wealthy people in Turkana.

"Todenyag is an area east of Lokichoggio towards Kenya's border with Sudan. It has long been deserted but traders use the police post there to barter goods. Besides textiles such as blankets, household items and traditional trinkets are also traded for livestock.

"Cattle raids are not too uncommon in our society. But we have become weary of raid after raid. It has to do with the barter trade and growing demand for cattle elsewhere.

"Commercialisation of livestock has also made people here greedy for money. When they are broke, they organise raids.

"Although the arid land here is not very productive, other economic activities including fishing and mechanised agriculture can be developed. This would benefit the larger community if deliberate effort is made to implement programmes that either enhance food production or improve food preservation.

"I want to see an end to all the exploitative activities. I hope to see all my people embrace the realities of contemporary life. The Turkana have to live like the rest of the world, without harming themselves and their neighbours. Help us to transform our economy so that it can have a bigger impact on the country’s central economy."

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