Multi-agency team recovers 17 stolen goats in Marsabit, suspect arrested

Multi-agency team recovers 17 stolen goats in Marsabit, suspect arrested

The recovery was carried out by a joint team comprising officers from Laisamis Police Station, National Government Administration Officers, National Police Reservists (NPR), and local village elders.

In a major breakthrough against rising livestock theft in northern Kenya, a multi-agency security team has recovered 17 stolen goats in Laisamis, Marsabit County, after a well-coordinated operation.

The goats were traced to the remote Muguri Naarok area, about 57 kilometres south of Laisamis Police Station. The recovery was carried out by a joint team comprising officers from Laisamis Police Station, National Government Administration Officers, National Police Reservists (NPR), and local village elders.

“One suspect is currently in custody and will be arraigned in court on Monday,” the National Police Service (NPS) said in a statement.

“The animals have been taken to Laisamis Police Station for identification by their rightful owner,” they added.

Community-police collaboration

Police hailed the recovery as a model example of community-police collaboration in tackling insecurity in the region.

“The National Police Service commends the swift response and collaboration between officers, the local administration, the NPR, and members of the community, which led to the successful recovery and arrest,” the statement read.

Marsabit and neighbouring areas have long struggled with recurrent livestock theft, which often fuels intercommunal tensions and undermines the pastoral economy that many residents depend on. Insecurity linked to banditry, cattle rustling, and resource-based conflicts has kept much of northern Kenya on edge.

Although the government has previously launched security operations and disarmament drives, the latest recovery demonstrates renewed commitment by authorities to curb rural crime through coordinated action and timely intelligence-sharing.

The NPS urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement.

“Members of the public are encouraged to continue sharing timely information to aid in combating livestock theft,” the police added.

With one suspect in custody and investigations ongoing, the successful operation offers a glimmer of hope for pastoralist communities who have endured years of insecurity — even as many now voluntarily surrender firearms in pursuit of lasting peace.

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