Abstract: Banditry is one of the biggest security challenges currently facing Kenya and East African sub-region. The practice is creating great concerns and has resulted into loss of human lives, stealing livestock, destruction of property and dislocation of populations. The thrust of the paper is, rustling and banditry has contributed to a state of violence and lawlessness thus creating insecurity and threatening lives of the residents. The availability of weapons in the hands of bandits has not only contributed in fueling instability, lawlessness and conflict but also pose a threat to sustainable development. Geopolitical issues that wrap together poverty, political instability and lawlessness. The states are found caught up in the whole issue to provide effective control leaving the perpetrators to have a field day. The scenario is given impetus by the fact that bandits have transformed their operations becoming more sophisticated, militarized and destructive. The rapture of the vice is traceable through colonialism and post colonial period. In the concluding reflection measures are recommended for the governments to eradicate the problem.