The role of the mosque institution in the prevention of cattle rustling and banditry in Mandera East, Mandera county, Kenya
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Date
2014-09-04
Authors
Mohamud, Sheikh Ali
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Abstract
Cattle rustling and banditry have destabilized the socio-economic activities of Mandera East, Mandera County,
Kenya The district has for the last 20 years experienced an influx of refugees from other countries in the Horn of
Africa especially Somalia and Ethiopia. This coupled with the use of modem weapons including small fire arms that
replaced the traditional ones such as spears, bows and arrows have led to the escalation of diverse forms of criminal
activities. Animosity and irrational behaviours have become the order of the day among the residents. The situation
is worsened by the prolonged drought and famine which lead to the death of livestock, and communities strive to
restock their lost animals.
This study examined the role of the mosque institution in the prevention of cattle rustling and banditry in the district
using a conceptual framework adapted from Islamic paradigm of peace. The study further evaluated the contribution
and efforts of various stakeholders including the government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), in collaboration with the community and political leaders to curb the
menace. It further sought to recommend practical strategies of combating cattle rustling and banditry, from an
Islamic perspective.
The study used both primary and secondary sources of data. The target population consisted of Muslims inhabiting
Mandera East. The study's sample size consisted of a total of one hundred and twenty-eight (128) respondents
drawn from a cross section of residents comprising Muslim religious leaders such as sheikhs, imams and mosque
committees, madrassa teachers, representatives of NGOs, CBO officials, government officials, youth groups and
village elders. This study adopted qualitative method of data processing and analysis. Qualitative data were first
coded then analysed using descriptive statistics in accordance with the objectives of the study. The data presentation
is in form of discussions and some presentations using descriptive statistics like frequency tables, pie charts and bar
graphs where applicable.
The study revealed that cattle rustling and banditry are a common phenomenon in Mandera East. The main causes of
this phenomenon include socio-cultural, agro-ecological, political and socio-economic factors. The influence of civil
conflicts in the Horn of Africa was also noted. The study established that the Holy Quran, Hadith and ijma and alqiyas
of Muslim scholars have explicit provisions on the prohibition of cattle rustling and banditry and advocate for
appropriate punishment to be meted out on those who commit the vice. Though the Sharia law is not enforceable in
Kenya, Islamic teachings on the prohibition of cattle rustling and banditry conform to the Kenya Constitution and
Statute Law which safeguard human rights, protect private property and provide for appropriate punishment for
cattle rustlers and bandits.
The study noted that the mosque institution undertakes a number of activities in its efforts to curb cattle rustling and
banditry such as peace caravan, religious roadside preaching, dialogue with the youth, positive behaviour change,
dialogue with chiefs ,dialogue with the police, inter-madrassa competition, rapid response initiatives and monitoring
the implementation of peace agreements and trauma healing. Enforcement of Islamic principles by the mosque
institution has contributed to some extent to reduced incidents of cattle rustling and banditry. The study's findings
indicate that despite notable successes of some programmes, the mosque institution are faced by a myriad of
challenges such as non- involvement by the Government of Kenya (GoK), instability in Somalia and the influx of
refugees and criminals, financial constraints to carry out activities of the mosque institution, lack of transport, weak
logistic, negative ethnicity, illiteracy and conflicts between government laws and Sharia laws. According to the
study's observations the success of the mosque institution lies with the comprehensive integration of efforts of the
mosqueinstitution, NGOs, CBOs, FBOs and GoK.
The study concludes that the mosque institution, being trusted by both the government and the public, is well placed
in coordinating efforts by different actors thereby providing a proactive, harmonized and integrated approach to
dealing with the cattle rustling and banditry menace. Therefore, based on the findings, the study recommends that
there should be a well-organized system of involvement and coordination of activities carried out by the mosque
institution and other relevant Muslim Organizations and Government agencies, capacity building and empowerment,
accountability and improved follow-up of incidents of cattle rustling and banditry to avoid duplication of efforts.
Description
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, 168p. 2012