Police officers in Bahati have unearthed a syndicate behind the theft of livestock and its sale to butcheries in Nakuru Town and her environs.

On Monday morning, police arrested eight suspects in connection to the crime and locked them up at Bahati Police Station.

Confirming the arrest, Bahati Police boss Edward Wafula said the suspects have been stealing stock in the sub-county and neighbouring areas and slaughtering it in unlicensed private slaughterhouse before selling the meat to consumers.

“At least eight suspects in connection to stealing and slaughtering of livestock are being held by the police. The criminals operate in a syndicate that continue to cause farmers loss of money,” said Wafula.

The OCPD said suspects transport the livestock to a privately owned slaughterhouse hidden behind bar and pubs at Heshima area, where they slaughter the animals and supply the meat to butchers.

The meat is neither inspected by officers from public health nor those from veterinary officers, posing a risk to consumers.

Wafula said the officers laid an ambush on the owner of the butchery after receiving a tip-off from members of the public that stolen stock had been sighted at the slaughterhouse.

The officers managed to recover several animals that were to be slaughtered.

The eight suspects when interrogated indicated that they came from Kivumbini and Mwariki in Nakuru Town East, Kwa Rhonda in Nakuru Town West, and Dondori in Bahati.

Three vehicles stationed at the slaughterhouse ready to transport the meat were also impounded and driven to Bahati Police Station as investigations commence.

“Cases of cattle theft in the area have been on the rise but we are interrogating those arrested to bring to book more suspects. This is aimed at containing the crime,” he said.

During the 3 am operation, the police did not arrest owners of the slaughterhouse who are being pursued.

The arrests come a week after residents of Wendo, Karunga, Thayu and Ngecha Farm in Kabatini, Bahati Sub County raised alarm over increased cases of cattle theft in the areas.

The residents held a security meeting last Thursday and demanded regular patrols by police in the area.

A victim of the cattle theft George Makena said security officers in the area have not been helpful as no recovery is done even after they report the cases.

“It is sad to have our cattle stolen by criminals who break into our homes regularly without stern action by the police and local administrators,” said Makena whose tow cows were stolen last week.

Business community chairman James Mwangi said that apart from the cattle theft there have also been cases of theft in various shops at Kabatini centre.

“We are now living in fear as business people and we hope the government will help address this issue by beefing up patrol,” he said.