National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) in Kigumo Sub-County have raised alarm over a sharp increase in livestock theft, warning that perpetrators will soon face the full force of the law.
The cases have sharply risen as the festive season approaches.
Speaking during an economic empowerment forum in Kangari Ward, the officers said they are pursuing crucial leads to ensure that those behind the thefts are apprehended and prosecuted.
“This menace must come to an end. We are coming for you,” warned Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Evans Gicharu, adding that the thieves have become too daring
“The reports we have received follow the same script, where cows are stolen and slaughtered in bushes, others are loaded into vehicles and driven away. With this we have crucial leads that we are following and I assure you that we will come for you,” he declared.
Gicharu urged residents to collaborate closely with the administration by sharing crucial information in confidence that could help in nabbing the criminals and assured the residents that all reports will be treated confidentially.
“Work with us so we can make our sub-county safe and conducive for economic growth. We cannot develop while crime continues to thrive—it derails progress,” he noted
The DCC also appealed to residents to protect the government’s critical infrastructure, particularly police stations, citing a recent incident in Nyandarua County where a police post was set ablaze.
“You saw what happened in Nyandarua, residents stormed and torched a police station, forcing officers to withdraw. Soon after, cattle thieves began roaming freely and harassing locals. Let’s not allow that to happen here,” he cautioned.
Murang’a County Woman Representative, Betty Maina, noted that the government, through NGAO and security agencies, has already put measures in place to arrest all those involved in livestock theft.
“No one will be spared, the crucial leads the police are following will bring all perpetrators to book,” she said adding, “We must work together to make Murang’a a crime-free and secure county.”
Maina further echoed the call for collaboration, urging residents to safeguard police facilities and report criminals instead of taking law into their own hands.
“If you burn a police station today, where will you report when your cows are stolen? Who will protect you?” she posed.
Local residents have expressed growing frustrations over the thefts, which have affected both livestock and farm produce.
Peter Mwangi Gatimu, a resident of Kangari, said his only cow was recently stolen and slaughtered. “Stock theft has been very high here. Last month my only cow was stolen and when we followed the trail, we only found the skin and hooves dumped by the river,” he recounted adding: “Even farm produce isn’t safe. You wake up one morning and find all your avocados gone. We are asking the government to deploy more police officers to help curb these crimes.”
Another resident, Mary Wanjiru, who rears dairy goats in Kinyona area, echoed the same concerns saying continued theft cases has left many farmers in fear.
“We no longer sleep peacefully. Goats and cows are being stolen at night and even during the day when people are at work,” she said adding: “This crime has caused tension in the villages, and we hope the government’s action will bring back order.”
During the forum 22 social groups composed of boda-boda Saccos and women groups were given non-refundable cash donations and other materials to boost their ongoing projects.
Three social groups were supported with 100-seater tents and 100 chairs while other farmers received beehives.
Leaders present included Kangema MP, Peter Kihungi, Maragua MP, Mary Wamaua and Nominated MP Sabina Chege among others.
By Florence Kinyua
