Residents of Nyakach have been urged to work closely with security agencies and reject criminal activities as community leaders intensify efforts to eradicate cattle rustling and promote peaceful coexistence along the Kisumu-Kericho border.

Speaking during a peace forum bringing together communities from Nyakach and neighboring areas in the Rift Valley region on June 25 2026, Nyakach Sub-County Police Commander Okumu Dulo challenged parents and community leaders to engage young people and steer them away from crime.

Dulo said the youth, particularly Generation Z, hold the future of the community and should play a leading role in promoting security and development.

“We should talk with our children and the youth because they are the leaders of tomorrow. They must ensure they follow the law, do the right thing and desist from committing crimes,” he said.

Rise of cattle rustling

The police commander identified cattle rustling as one of the major security challenges facing the area, noting that local youth often collaborate with criminals from neighboring regions.

According to Dulo, outsiders accused of stealing livestock cannot operate successfully without support from residents within the affected communities.

“The people from Rift Valley cannot untie cows from homesteads on their own. It is some people from this area who take the animals to them. If we desist from this vice and provide information on those involved, then cattle rustling can be defeated,” he said.

He also raised concern over increasing cases of drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption among young people, warning that the trend threatens the social and economic future of the region.

Dulo said many youths begin drinking alcohol early in the morning instead of engaging in productive activities, a situation he described as dangerous for community development.

“When energetic young people spend their time abusing drugs and alcohol, they cannot contribute positively to society. Education suffers, families are affected and the future of the community is put at risk,” he said.

The police commander encouraged residents to report criminal activities promptly, saying security agencies remain committed to working with communities to eliminate crime.

Peaceful communities

He emphasized that collaboration between neighboring communities is key to dismantling cattle-rustling networks that operate across county borders.

The forum was organized by Geno Community Development Initiative under the West Kenya Peace Alliance, a consortium of 11 organizations working to promote peace and social cohesion in the region.

Geno Community Development Initiative Chief Executive Officer Enos Odera said the initiative has spent more than a decade fostering dialogue and cooperation between communities living along the border.

Odera noted that tensions and sporadic conflicts have historically been common in the area, especially during election periods when politicians sometimes exploit ethnic divisions for political gain.

“As we move closer to another election cycle, communities are concerned about possible chaos. These forums are important because they allow people to discuss challenges openly and find solutions together,” he said.

He said the peace-building programme has helped strengthen relationships between Luo and Kalenjin communities, resulting in improved communication and reduced hostility.

“The friendship and bond formed between the communities are noticeable. We have seen cattle rustling reduce significantly because people are now working together to prevent it,” he said.