Police in Trans-Nzoia County have unearthed a syndicate of thieves and unscrupulous butcher operators that has been stealing cattle.
Security officers on Thursday night pursued and recovered several sheep and goats stolen from a farmer in Kahuho village, Cherangany constituency.
County police commandant Lillian Okembo said thieves suspected to have links with some butcheries raided the home of Kuria Ng'ang'a and stole the animals.
The five thieves were leading the herds to a waiting vehicle when officers accosted them. They abandoned the animals and escaped.
"The thieves were to ferry the herds in their vehicle but failed when our officers responded and opened fire forcing them to flee," said Ms Okembo.
Okembo said investigation had been launched to establish those involved in the syndicate.
"We strongly believe some people operating butcheries are behind the theft of livestock in the county and we are pursuing leads to apprehend them," she said.
In the recent past, residents from the county have complained of losing their livestock to a cartel, they suspect to be of butcher operators.
Kibomet assistant chief Joseph Togom has in the past months recovered herds stolen from residents within Kitale town.
Meanwhile, thugs broke into Valley Café hotel, Kitale and made away with electronic and property worth million of shillings.
According to the watchman, Protus Nyongesa, the two armed men gained entry to the hotel by jumping over the walls of the building and broke the door stealing a TV set, 3 gas cylinders and other goods.
