{
  "id": 10653502,
  "title": "Samburu leaders warn banditry could fuel ethnic hatred in Isiolo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/samburu-leaders-warn-banditry-could-fuel-ethnic-hatred-in-isiolo",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T09:03:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/samburu-leaders-warn-banditry-could-fuel-ethnic-hatred-in-isiolo"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Community leaders from the Samburu tribe in Isiolo County have expressed grave concern over a rise in banditry, warning that it could lead to increased ethnic tensions within the region. However, they cautioned against alienating any community when seeking a solution to this security issue. The leaders, spearheaded by Isiolo County Assembly Deputy Speaker David Lemantile and Minority Leader Francisco Letimalo, emphasized that all pastoralist communities in Isiolo must recognize that criminals reside among them and commit to collaborative efforts to combat the problem. They advocated for a united approach to tackling insecurity, stating that lasting peace can only be attained when all communities participate in finding a solution to banditry. On September 29, 2026, Lemantile criticized a meeting held in Nairobi on Monday, which he claimed had excluded Samburu and Ndorobo representatives. He argued that attributing the issue to a single community while ignoring the role of all pastoralist groups was unproductive, and that a lasting solution necessitates honesty and goodwill. The leaders also disputed allegations that livestock grazing in the Mlango Hills area is sourced from Samburu County, asserting that these animals are owned by Samburu pastoralists from Isiolo who utilize the area during the dry season. They urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure equal protection for all Kenyans, irrespective of their community. The leaders expressed worry over the persistent closure of the Kipsing–Isiolo town road, which has impeded access to markets and healthcare services for residents of Leparua, Kipsing, and Oldonyiro. They called on Murkomen and Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo to convene conflicting communities, reopen the roads, and restore peace. While supporting intelligence-driven security operations, the leaders cautioned against actions that might harm innocent residents. They condemned the killing of livestock in Losesia, Samburu County, and implored security agencies to pursue suspects regardless of their community or origin. Regarding claims that suspects involved in the Gotu bandit attack originated from Kipsing, Lemantile refuted this assertion, stating that the attack occurred far from the area. Two ASTU police officers, a National Police Reservist, and two civilians were killed in the attack. \"Security agencies have the capacity to trace suspects wherever they are. Criminals should be brought to justice, irrespective of their origin,\" Lemantile emphasized.",
  "summary": "Samburu community leaders in Isiolo County have strongly condemned increasing cases of banditry in the region, warning that the situation could fuel ethnic hatred among members of the public. The leaders, however, cautioned against attempts to alienate any community in efforts to find a lasting solution to the security menace. Led by Isiolo County Assembly […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Samburu leaders warn banditry may cause ethnic tensions in Isiolo.",
    "All pastoralist communities must collaborate to combat insecurity.",
    "Leaders criticize Nairobi meeting for excluding Samburu and Ndorobo reps."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}