Police on Thursday recovered 196 livestock reported to have been stolen by suspected bandits from Kapkomon village in Baringo.
"A multi-agency team of NPS and NPRs who were on patrol responded and a heavy exchange of fire ensued between the police and National Police Service," NPS said in a statement on X.
"Consequently, police recovered 196 goats and handed over the same to the rightful owners."
NPS said no injuries were reported.
On March 7, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said he would eradicate banditry during his tenure.
He said the problem of banditry has been prevalent in Meru North and 15 other counties.
“We have a problem of banditry, livestock rustling in Meru North and 15 other counties where bandits have terrorised the people for many years,” he said.
“I want to give you my commitment, it doesn’t matter the manoeuvres the bandits apply and how persistent the problem looks."
The CS said the government is onboarding the input of all stakeholders to eradicate the livestock rustling menace.
The CS said in the last 50 years, 14 counties had been troubled by banditry and livestock rustling.
"As promised by President William Ruto, the challenge of banditry will be eradicated by the Kenya Kwanza administration," the CS said.
