Police arrest three suspects, recover 26 cattle

Mumias West OCPD Stephen Mwoni displays some of the recovered cattle at Mumias Police station after stock theft operation in Shibina village, Mumias West. [File, Standard

Police arrested three suspected cattle rustlers and recovered 26 stolen livestock from Siaya, Kakamega, and Busia counties.

The police said they found the animals in the suspects’ homes, awaiting slaughter and transportation to various butcheries.

The head of the multi-agency security operation, Mumias East Deputy County Commissioner, Beatrice Odira said other suspects escaped.

The security operation was conducted in the Emahola, Emulambo, Bumini, Mwikali, and Mung’ang’a areas.

“There have been cases of cattle rustling in the area, and we formed a multi-agency security team to deal with it. We arrested three suspects and recovered 26 stolen cows,” said Odira.

The administrator banned the transportation of livestock after 6 pm, in efforts to curb cattle theft in the area, neighbouring Butere and Mumias West constituencies.

“There is no movement of livestock or transportation beyond 6 pm until we get rid of cattle theft. We will arrest anyone disregarding the ban,” said Odira.

The DCC urged residents whose cattle were stolen to visit Shianda Police Station with relevant documents to identify their animals.

“The operation will continue until we have no cases of cattle theft, and I want to urge those people who lost their animals to come out and identify their cattle,” said Odira.

She said the three suspects will be arraigned Tuesday for stock theft as police pursue those who escaped.

Margaret Auma from Ugenya, Siaya County, said she lost two cows in January and was lucky to recover one.

“I lost my two cows and a calf on the night of January 23 when thieves raided our place. I have identified one cow, but the other one with a calf is missing," she said.

Phaustine Wanyama from Nambale, Busia County, recovered two cows after five were stolen in February.

“This operation should continue because it is becoming successful. We have established that Kakamega has a ready market for stolen cattle," said Wanyama.

Last month, police in Butere recovered 20 stolen livestock.

Residents have been urged to ensure animals are branded for easy identification when they are stolen and facilitate movement permits.

In the past, chiefs used to endorse movement permit incorporation with veterinary officers, but currently that role is under the county government.