A series of violent incidents involving cattle theft in Samburu and Isiolo counties on Monday have left at least seven people dead, including both bandits and civilians, with five others sustaining injuries. The operations, which included intense firefights between suspected bandits and law enforcement officers, led to the recovery of 560 animals, including cattle and goats. This operation, conducted by a multi-agency security team, aimed to restore peace and prevent further thefts in the region, which has been plagued by cattle rustling for years.
In the early hours of Monday, at approximately 02:30 am, armed bandits attacked the Manyattas in the Bojidare area, stealing about 250 cows and 300 goats. The bandits, reportedly armed with assault rifles, stormed the homes, shooting at anyone in their path, and made off with the livestock. The attack left two people dead and three others injured. The injured victims were rushed to Isiolo District Hospital for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were returned to their families for burial according to Muslim customs.
A swift response from a multi-agency team, consisting of Kenya Police, Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) officers, and National Police Reservists (NPR), led to a successful recovery operation. The officers pursued the criminals, managing to recover all 300 goats and 30 cows. The recovery of the stolen animals was hailed as a success, despite the tragic loss of life.
In another incident later in the day, in the Hola Bule area, a similar attack occurred. A group of armed bandits targeted a home, opening fire before making off with 19 head of cattle. During the attack, one man was fatally shot, while two others, including an NPR officer, were injured. The injured were treated at nearby medical facilities, and the stolen cattle were recovered. The body of the deceased was moved to Isiolo County Hospital Mortuary for preservation, as investigations into the attack began.
In Samburu County, the situation took a deadly turn when two suspected bandits were fatally shot in the River Waso area under Samburu East. The confrontation between the bandits and law enforcement resulted in the recovery of 211 stolen cattle. The police action marked a significant victory in the ongoing battle against cattle rustling in the region. However, the loss of life and the injuries sustained during the operation underscored the persistent dangers that law enforcement and local communities face in these remote areas.
The response to the cattle rustling crisis has been robust, with law enforcement agencies ramping up their efforts to restore peace. Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, along with the Eastern Regional Security team, arrived in Isiolo this morning to assess the situation and coordinate the ongoing operations. Reinforcements from Isiolo Police Station, ASTU, and NPR have been deployed to ensure that law and order are maintained in the region. Additionally, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched an investigation to track down the remaining bandits and bring them to justice.
The National Police Service (NPS) has thanked members of the public for their cooperation during the operation. The community’s role in providing vital information to law enforcement has been crucial in the success of these recovery efforts. Despite the significant losses, authorities remain committed to ensuring that peace and security are restored in Samburu and Isiolo counties.
The tragic events of Monday serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities in northern Kenya, where cattle rustling has been a longstanding issue exacerbated by poverty, insecurity, and the presence of armed criminal groups. The government’s efforts to address these issues through security operations and community engagement will continue to be essential in reducing the prevalence of such incidents in the future.
