Police in Meru County have successfully recovered over 200 head of livestock that had been stolen from various homesteads.
The recovery operation, conducted by the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, yielded a substantial haul, including 171 cattle valued at approximately Sh7 million and four donkeys stolen from the Ndumuru area.
The operation involved a dramatic confrontation, with police exchanging gunfire with suspected bandits.
The bandits were ultimately overpowered and fled, abandoning the stolen livestock.
The recovered animals have been transported to Ndumuru police station for processing, including circulation and identification.
No arrests have been made in connection with this operation.
In Elgeyo Marakwet County, a separate operation led to the recovery of seven stolen animals.
Police traced the cattle’s footprints to Kissa village and successfully recovered all the livestock, which were then returned to their owner after verification.
Meanwhile, in Maili Nane, Kisima area within Buuri East sub-county, nine cows and four goats stolen by gunmen were recovered.
The police tracked the animals to Leprong Hills, where another intense exchange of fire occurred with the bandits, who eventually fled into nearby thickets.
The recovered animals were returned to their rightful owner following identification.
In Mutuati, Igembe, authorities are still pursuing an unknown number of cows and goats stolen from local villages.
Police are investigating the disappearance of 47 cattle and goats, along with a herder, from the Malaene area.
This region is also part of a broader police operation aimed at curbing illegal weapon possession among civilians.
The ongoing operation, known as “Komesha Uhalifu North Rift,” began three months ago and involves multi-agency teams working across Baringo,
West Pokot, Turkana, and Samburu, with Marsabit, Isiolo, and Meru counties also included in the crackdown.
Beyond immediate responses, the government is also focusing on strategic investments.
Sustainable development as part of its crime control efforts for Kenya’s Northern frontier and the Kerio Valley belt.
