Nairobi – In the rolling hills of Kenya’s north, where livestock is more than wealth it’s survival police officers are ramping up their fight against cattle rustling, a practice that continues to rattle communities.
On Tuesday, authorities confirmed the recovery of dozens of stolen animals in two separate operations across Elgeyo Marakwet and Samburu counties. The coordinated efforts, police say, are part of a wider crackdown on livestock theft that has plagued the region for decades.
In Kowow, a quiet village in Elgeyo Marakwet County, officers retrieved a herd of animals after receiving a tip-off. The National Police Service said the operation was swift and precise.
“The livestock has since been returned to their rightful owners,” police said in a statement, adding that the recovery was witnessed by the local chief.
In Samburu East, things were more tense. Heavily armed officers pursued suspected bandits through the rugged terrain of Kamanga, in Mutuati Sub-County. They managed to recover 15 cows and 30 goats, police confirmed, though the suspects reportedly fled during the confrontation.
“Officers responded promptly and launched a meticulous operation to pursue the suspects,” said the NPS, noting the raid came after a report of livestock theft in the Kabache area.
While no arrests have been made so far, the police say efforts to track down those responsible are still underway.
The cattle raids, often driven by revenge attacks, cultural practices, or criminal profit, have long troubled Kenya’s arid north. The victims are usually small-scale pastoralists, who depend almost entirely on their animals for food, trade, and livelihood.
Tuesday’s statement by police reaffirmed their “commitment to combating cattle rustling and related crimes,” through intelligence sharing and closer work with locals.
Security experts, however, warn that until communities are empowered economically and early-warning systems improved, police action alone may not break the cycle.
“The police can only do so much,” said Dr Mumo Kivuti, a security analyst in Nairobi. “There’s also a need to address poverty, youth unemployment, and access to weapons in these areas.”
For now, though, the recovery offers relief however brief for the affected families. In many parts of northern Kenya, getting your animals back is the difference between hunger and hope.
