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Police recover 18 stolen cattle, firearm after Samburu security operation

Security officers in Samburu after they successfully recovered 18 heads of cattle which were stolen in Meru County on March 16, 2024. (Photo: NPS)

By Lucy Mumbi | 17 Mar 2024

Police said during the operation, a fierce exchange of gunfire erupted between the security team resulting in the damage of a police lorry by suspected Morans.

A Special Operations team based at Archers Police Post in Samburu, Isiolo County have successfully recovered 18 heads of cattle which were stolen in Meru County.

According to the National Police Service (NPS), the officers made the recovery on Friday at 3 am in Sero Longai Village in Samburu East.

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Police said during the operation, a fierce exchange of gunfire erupted between the security team resulting in the damage of a police lorry by suspected Morans.

“During the recovery, a fierce exchange ensued between the security team and in the process, the suspected morans damaged the radiator of Police lorry Reg. GKB 408U,” police said.

However, the security team successfully managed to contain the gunfire outbreak and in the process they recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition and three TECNO mobile phones from the morans.

“The recovered animals were handed over to their owners while the mobile phones were handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for further investigations,” police said.

Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, 23 rounds of ammunition and three mobile phones after the security operation in Samburu County on March 16, 2024. (Photo: NPS)

Senate petition

Residents from the areas had petitioned the Senate to engage relevant state agencies to establish the root causes of insecurity and make appropriate recommendations.

They noted that they are deeply affected by the insecurity and the ongoing violence, including loss of life, property, and disruption of economic activities over the past two years.

“Over 50 lives have been lost so far, 22 people injured in the conflicts and thousands of animals stolen. Residents of Lorroki and Malaso divisions have been enduring a sustained security crisis for approximately two years now,” reads the petition.

They added that insecurity in the areas has resulted in disruption of learning, closure of schools and displacement of people in Amayia and Nasur sublocations.

As a result, the residents noted that the chaos has led to an increase in school dropouts and poor performance among learners.

“Teachers also fear travelling to and from schools within the area,” they said.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has vowed to dismantle the organised gangs of bandits terrorising innocent citizens within Samburu and neighbouring counties.

Last Week, he met with Samburu leaders to discuss how banditry can be best tackled.

He noted that just like other forms of organised crime, the fight against livestock rustlers and violent bandits in Northern Kenya requires unyielding focus and determination.