President William Ruto has urged the Pokot community in West Pokot County to abandon cattle rustling and instead pursue economic empowerment through legitimate investments, including participation in the Nairobi Stock Exchange.

Speaking during an interdenominational church service in Chesombur on January 4, 2026, the president drew a pointed comparison between “stock exchange” and “stock theft,” using humour to underscore the economic consequences of livestock rustling.

He said embracing lawful investment avenues would help lift communities out of poverty and create sustainable prosperity.

Ruto noted that the government is keen on expanding financial inclusion to ensure that ordinary Kenyans can access wealth-creation opportunities previously viewed as out of reach.

Economic empowerment through shares

The president highlighted the distinction between modern financial trading and cattle rustling, describing the latter as destructive and outdated. “Watu wanafanya biashara kwa stock exchange na niliwaambia kuna tofauti kubwa sana kati ya stock exchange na stock theft, stock theft ni ya ujinga ya kuleta maafa na umaskini na hasara,” he said.

Ruto encouraged residents to take advantage of an upcoming share sale involving the Kenya Pipeline Company, stressing that the opportunity would be open to all Kenyans regardless of income level. “Mimi sasa nawaambia hii January tunauza shares ya kampuni ya Kenya Pipeline, Kujeni sasa mnunue shares, ile stock exchange kwa sababu mmeacha hii stock theft,” he stated.

He added that affordability would not be a barrier to participation. “Na tulisema inauzwa kwa kila mkenya hata yule wa mia mbili mia tatu kuja nunua ndio tukitangaza profit unakujia yako,” Ruto said.

Progress in curbing cattle rustling

The President praised the Pokot community for progress made in addressing cattle rustling, attributing the gains to cooperation between residents, security agencies, and local leaders. “Mimi nafurahi sasa sehemu hii mambo ya stock theft imesha,” he remarked.

Ruto said sustained peace was critical for development, investment, and improved service delivery in the region. “We thank God today we have peace in these regions,” he added, noting that stability would attract more government projects and private sector investments.

He reiterated that peace and security remain key pillars of his administration’s development agenda, particularly in regions previously affected by banditry and insecurity.

Warning on illegal firearms

In the same address, Ruto issued a stern warning against the possession of illegal firearms, linking them to insecurity and cattle rustling. He called on residents to surrender unauthorised weapons immediately.

“Kila mtu mwenye ako na bunduki na wewe si polisi, harakisha, lete bunduki patia kwa bishop ama polisi. Usipofanya hivyo, we are going to come for you. Tukikuja kuchukua hiyo bunduki, utakipata. Bunduki ni kitu ya kulinda wananchi ikitumiwa na askari,” he warned.

The president dismissed the practice of herding livestock with guns, saying firearms are the responsibility of the State. “Kuna watu wanajifanya ati wanachunga ng’ombe na bunduki. Hakuna ng’ombe itachungwa na bunduki. Tafuta fimbo, kata miti, uchunge ng’ombe yako. Bunduki ni mali ya serikali na askari. Tumeelewana?” he said.

During the visit, Ruto also inspected the Barpelo–Tot–Marich Pass Road, reaffirming the government’s commitment to infrastructure development in West Pokot County.