Youths storm police station over cattle theft

Services at Rumuruti Police Station were disrupted Friday as residents from Mutara area protested against the increasing incidents of cattle rustling.

Over two hundred youths, armed with arrows, bows and clubs, stormed the station, accusing the police of colluding with cattle rustlers to steal their livestock.

In response, police officers prepared their weapons, but the situation was eventually calmed down by community leaders who requested to speak with Assistant County Commissioner Florence Muriuki.

This incident follows a previous case in which residents apprehended three suspects and brought them to the station; however, one suspect was released under unclear circumstances.

Earlier, the residents had marched to Wiyumiririe Police Station, where they received seven cattle from a private hospital.

According to their leader, Joseph Saina, one of the investigating officers at the police station allegedly accepted a bribe to release a suspect. He further criticized the officers for their perceived reluctance to address these issues.

“We have taken the law into our own hands, but when we apprehend suspects and bring them to the police, they are released. We demand that all police officers at this station be reshuffled,” he said. He also mentioned that they had reported several cases to the station, but no action had been taken.

Muriuki, the administrator, found it difficult to comment on the situation, stating that the case is currently in court. “We are doing everything possible to ensure these cases are addressed. However, in this particular instance, we have taken three suspects to court, and we are awaiting a ruling on Friday,” she explained.

Area Officer Commanding Station Amos Mutie indicated that action would be taken against any officer found to have collaborated with cattle rustlers. “We have internal methods to deal with such officers. Anyone with evidence should come forward and present it to us,” he stated.