Kenyan police returns livestock stolen in Uganda

“The recovered animals included 30 cows, 13 goats, and 3 donkeys,” NPS stated.

by CHRISTABEL ADHIAMBO

News01 July 2025 - 12:50

In Summary

The handover operation follows a report by Ugandan authorities on June 27, indicating that youth from the Turkana region had crossed into Uganda and driven livestock across the border into Kenya.
In response, the NPS quickly mobilised officers to block escape routes and pursue the suspects.

The National Police Service (NPS) on Monday officially handed over the recovered livestock to Ugandan authorities at the Nawontos border point in Oropoi Division, Turkana West.

Turkana West Deputy County Commissioner Orache Kennedy and Sub-County Police Commander Peter Wahome led the handover.

“The recovered animals included 30 cows, 13 goats, and three donkeys,” NPS stated.

“A peace dialogue was held between representatives of the Turkana and Karamojong communities to foster peaceful coexistence and strengthen cross-border relations.”

NPS officers reaffirmed their commitment to serving and protecting communities, especially in areas prone to cross-border tension and livestock theft.

This operation follows a report by Ugandan authorities on June 27, indicating that youth from the Turkana region had crossed into Uganda and driven livestock across the border into Kenya.

In response, the NPS quickly mobilised officers to block escape routes and pursue the suspects.

According to a statement from the NPS, officers caught up with the raiders, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

The suspects managed to flee, but all the livestock was recovered unharmed.

The NPS has since warned citizens against participating in cross-border livestock theft or illegal movement into neighbouring countries, saying such actions jeopardise regional peace and security.

Earlier in March 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the government was piloting a Geographic Information System (GIS) to help trace stolen livestock.

“The process has reached an advanced stage, with public participation planned to allow Jibu Cyber Solutions to conduct a proof of concept,” Murkomen said.

Murkomen added that the system was set to be rolled out in three counties in the Rift Valley and four others in the Eastern region, to aid in curbing rustling, especially in Turkana and other regions frequently affected by such crimes.

“This will test the feasibility, impact and adaptability of the GIS-based cattle tracking technology, which will be integrated with real-time monitoring,” he explained.

The CS was responding to a question by Turkana Senator James Lomen when he appeared before the Senate plenary.