Police in Kisumu have arrested a 'Loibon"( a traditional diviner) Jackson Bushienei who "prays and blesses" before they embark on animal theft.
Bushienei was arrested in Kericho county during a joint operation by security officers from Kisumu and Kericho counties on Thursday night.
Kisumu county commissioner John Elungata said Loibon was also found with two stolen cows at his home.
He said the rustlers pays him before he offers prayers for them ahead of their mission.
" The rustlers are bold and courageous when raiding homes to steal animals because they believe in the prayers and blessings of Loibon. They know that nothing can happen to them " Elungata said.
Loibon is being held at Nyakach Police Station by CID officers to help them with further investigation, he said.
Elungata added: "We expect to take him to court once investigations are complete,"he should stop misusing his powers to bless animal thieves".
Police are still trailing a cow that was stolen at the borders of the two counties on Thursday.
The commissioner said cattle rustling had reduced tremendously with several stolen animals recovered.
He said they working on new measures with their Kericho counterparts to weed out the animal theft menace.
"We are holding a joint security meeting next week on Thursday to finalise on the measures and way forward in the ," Elungata said.
He has also warned youths to desists from criminal activities by engaging in productive activities which can improve on their income.
Elungata noted that they will not relent in fighting rustling, saying criminals will face the wrath of the law.