Depiction of Cattle Raiding and Rustling in Egara Kabaji’s ‘Mourning Glory’: An Analysis of Causes, Consequences, And Socio-Cultural Implications in Northern Kenya

Banditry and cattle rustling in northern Kenya have posed persistent security challenges and hindered the region’s development and social cohesion. This qualitative study delves into the multifaceted factors contributing to the perpetuation of these criminal activities, drawing insights from a purposive sampling of the Kenyan fictional novel “Mourning Glory†(2022) by Egara Kabaji and related research. The study was guided by Shaw’s and McKay’s Social Disorganization Theory. The analysis reveals a complex web of issues, including government reluctance, cultural practices, greed-driven commercialization, and cross-border arms trade. The study found that the government’s lack of resolve in addressing insecurity has eroded public trust, and past efforts have yielded little tangible results. On the other hand, cultural norms, influenced by traditional nomadic lifestyles and territorial competition, continue to fuel the practice of cattle raiding and banditry. For instance, the commercialization of raids for monetary gain, involving political leaders and organized crime syndicates, has escalated the violence and transformed it into a lucrative enterprise. Therefore, to combat these challenges and achieve lasting peace, this study suggests a comprehensive approach involving multi-stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, and conflict resolution. Finally, the study’s findings emphasize the need for Kenya to adopt a holistic and sensitive approach to address the complexities of banditry and cattle rustling in northern regions.