Police in Meru have recovered 215 livestock suspected to have been stolen by bandits on Monday in Ngitatu, Meru.
According to the police, a total of 260 heads of cattle and eight donkeys were stolen in Ngitatu Antuambui location, Igembe North subcounty.
The Anti Stock Theft Unit police managed to recover the 215 animals and transported them to the Bullo Astu Camp in Naathu.
A handing-over ceremony was held at the camp in which the Meru county commissioner, Jacob Ouma, oversaw the long-awaited return of stolen livestock to their rightful owners on Tuesday.
Other representatives from the subcounty Security Intelligence Committee from Mutuati and Igembe North, as well as officers from the National Police Reservists, alongside the relieved livestock owners, were present.
"Through concerted efforts by law enforcement agencies, 209 cattle heads and all 8 donkeys were successfully recovered and returned to their rightful owners, namely Ntarangwe Isaac, Thanga Bundi, and Kanathi David," Ouma said.
Livestock owners' representative, Isaac Ntarangwe, expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their efforts.
"I urge the patrol to intensify efforts to recover the remaining stolen stock. I will ensure to provide timely information on any suspicious activities observed in the northern grazing area," Ntarangwe said.
Ouma acknowledged the invaluable efforts of security officers in recovering the stock under the veil of darkness.
He also cautioned livestock owners against entrusting untrustworthy individuals as herders while assuring to deal with the thieves.
"I'm issuing a stern warning against providing inaccurate figures on stolen livestock to law enforcement, emphasizing that perpetrators will face prosecution," Ouma said.
He highlighted the possibility of collaboration between local grazers and external bandits before urging for vigilance within communities.
Ouma called for prompt reporting of any incidents and advocated for the provision of armoured vehicles to bolster units like ASTU and RDU.
He also urged security agencies to maintain consistency in coordinated patrols to yield tangible results.
The county commissioner emphasized the importance of treating intelligence information with the seriousness it deserves, enlisting the support of Non-Governmental Administrative Organizations in gathering intelligence on potential collaborators involved in livestock theft.
"The event served as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the community in the face of adversity while underscoring the critical need for sustained vigilance and collaboration in safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring peace in the region," he said.
