An elderly herder was shot dead and dozens of livestock stolen during a raid in Meru County, prompting a security operation that ended in a gunfire exchange between officers and suspected raiders.
According to police, the incident followed a livestock raid in Gambela, Tigania East Sub-County. The victim, identified as Sora Ali, a 71-year-old man, was attacked and killed by suspected raiders, who then made away with an unspecified number of sheep and goats from the area.
Police officers visited and processed the scene. The body was taken to the Isiolo Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination was conducted before it was released to the family for burial.
Following the attack, a multi-agency security team launched a pursuit operation and tracked the stolen livestock to Akongolo area in Igembe Central Sub-County. During the operation on Thursday, the security team encountered the suspected raiders, resulting in a gunfire exchange.
Police reported that 20 goats and 17 sheep, a total of 37 animals, were recovered during the operation. The suspects, however, escaped into the surrounding area.
Security officers recovered several items believed to have been left behind by the fleeing suspects, including a Maasai shuka, a jacket and a loaf of bread. Investigators believe at least one of the suspects may have been injured during the exchange of fire.
Local National Police Reservists (NPRs) and other security personnel continued combing the area as the multi-agency team escorted the recovered livestock to safety.
No injuries were reported among members of the security team during the operation. Investigations and the manhunt for the suspects are ongoing.
The area has been a focus in recent months following rising cases of cattle rustling and is among those under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, aimed at addressing banditry. The operation has helped contain crime in the area and other counties despite continued incidents.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the long-term vision is to empower communities to actively take part in the fight against animal rustling and engage in legitimate nation-building activities.
He said plans are underway to distribute subsidized agricultural inputs and extension services to area residents in a bid to revive farming activities as a source of livelihood.
Murkomen ordered fresh vetting for all National Police Reservists (NPRs) as part of efforts to strengthen operations. He also announced a new policy shift institutionalising the command structure of NPR officers, stating they will now be under the direct command of the Officer Commanding Police Stations (OCS) to enhance coordination.
“We are coming to dismantle not only the criminals themselves but also to bring down the entire chain that has been the cattle and livestock rustling industry,” he said.
The attacks have affected development in the region. Most of the stolen animals are reportedly driven to urban centres, where they are slaughtered and sold as products.
