Police in Meru have recovered stolen livestock in three separate incidents across the county and rescued an abducted herder from bandits in one of the incidents in Igembe North Sub County.
Vincent Kinyua, a herder, had his ears cut after the armed raiders burst into a grazing field between Mariera and Ndumuru in Igembe North Sub-County.
The county Police Commander Patrick Ombura said Kinyua was herding animals when he was ambushed by five armed bandits at 3pm on Monday who made away with 110 goats.
Ombura said a shootout ensued between the Laare patrol police and bandits before recovering the stolen animals and rescuing the abducted victim.
He said none of the police officers sustained injuries, adding that the bandits managed to escape leaving behind the goats and the abducted victim.
“Armed bandits kidnapped a herder running away with 110 goats. Police managed to rescue the shepherd and recovered the stolen goats that were returned to their owners,” said Ombura.
The police commander called on residents to quickly inform police when attacked by raiders.
“Let the people promptly inform police when under attack. This will help us act immediately and follow up instantly,” assured Ombura.
The police commander further disclosed that 66 stolen cattle have also been taken back to Meru County.
He said 25 cattle belonging to a Meru senior citizen were recovered by Isiolo elders before being handed back to the veteran senior citizen at Ngaremara Market.
Ombura noted 41 additional cattle were recovered from Isiolo herders by Subuiga police officers on Monday.
“We recovered 21 more animals last week before recovering 14 goats and six sheep on Monday at Isiolo,” said Ombura.
The police boss said the operation to recover more stolen animals is ongoing.
Meanwhile, Antubetwe Member of County Assembly (MCA) George Kaliunga has called on government to set a buffer zone to shield the Meru North communities from increased cattle rustling.
Kaliunga said the bandits have been taking advantage of the ongoing exams which most police in the region have been deployed to guard.
The MCA mentioned Kulamawe in Isiolo, Kachiuru a region bordering Meru and Isiolo in North Imenti and Kina along Meru National Park as the major route used by the bandits on their way to Meru.
By Kamanja Maeria
