Kenya's President William Ruto has taken his biggest security decision on the domestic front since taking office about five months ago by ordering the military to join police in tackling bandits and cattle rustlers in a restive northern region.

Attempts by previous administrations to disarm the heavily-armed bandits operating with impunity in Turkana county have failed.

The recent killing of 16 police officers by the bandits proves how challenging the operation will be.

At the centre of the attacks is the lucrative meat trade. Locals rely on it for their livelihood.

Thousands of cattle are stolen every month and driven hundreds of kilometres away for slaughter for sale in the local or international market.

“The meat you eat on your plates in Nakuru and Nairobi, 70% of it is from these criminal activities. The bandits are paid a paltry Sh7,000 ($55; £45) per head, with the same being sold for up to Sh100,000 ($800),” Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who previously served in the region as a top government officer, said.

Ethnic rivalry instigated by politicians and competition for natural resources are also factors behind the banditry.

Analysts say that to resolve the security challenge, the government should prioritise dialogue, and improve the economic well-being of communities.

Source: BBC