Theft of livestock is on the increase in Munyu, Komo, Githima and Gatuanyaga in Thika East.
More than 300 sheep and goats have been stolen from 10 homes in the past three weeks.
Residents told journalists on Saturday that the thieves spray the owners with drugs at night before driving away the animals.
“We suspect they drug us because they perpetrate their crimes with no hurry. They have all the time to break walls, jump over fences, release the animals from sheds, open gates and leave without anyone noticing,” Githima resident Johanna Muiruri said.
The 90-year-old Githima resident is still puzzled how the thieves managed to steal his eight sheep. “I didn't hear my sheep bleat. The thieves came, tied them all and left. I didn’t hear anything.”
Muiruri said his sheep were his only source of livelihood. Now he is unable to buy his diabetes medicine.
"I plead with our local administration and the police to act swiftly and apprehend these criminals. We are tired of living at their mercy,” he said.
His neighbour, Hannah Wacheke, 80, said the thieves broke into her home and stole 16 sheep. “Only one of the sheep returned home the following day. We are living in fear. We don’t know if they will come for us. They must be stopped,” she said.
Macharia Mwangi said the robberies increased after the enforcement of the dusk-to-dawn curfew.
“Numerous complaints have been lodged with the police, but we are yet to hear of any arrests. If the police won’t stop them, we will break the curfew and waylay these criminals. We are tired of losing our livestock,” he said.
Sub-county head of security committee Thomas Sankei denied the theft of more than 300 sheep and goats. He said the number is 30. He said the police would soon apprehend the robbers.
Sankei further said the police and members of Nyumba Kumi had recovered 80 goats and sheep stolen from nearby Juja.
“We have proper strategies to protect residents and their properties, especially during this difficult period,” the deputy county commissioner told the Star by phone.
Edited by A.N
