Police in Nyahururu have recovered 33 sheep believed to have been stolen from a farmer in the Chemi Chemi area as investigations continue to trace a suspect who remains at large.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Joseph Kamanu said police received a report on Wednesday that 47 sheep belonging to George Ngaruiya had been stolen from his homestead in Chemi Chemi.
Following the report, security officers launched a search for both the stolen livestock and the suspected thieves.
Kamanu said the breakthrough came after the Chief of Silale Location informed police that livestock suspected to have been stolen had been spotted at a homestead within the area.
Police officers proceeded to the residence, where they recovered 33 sheep. However, the suspect was not found at the home.
The officers also impounded several cows found at the homestead pending investigations to establish their ownership, as they are suspected to have been stolen.
Kamanu said investigations indicate that the suspect, who is known to the complainant, fled before police arrived. Preliminary tracking of his mobile phone placed him in the Bahati area of Nakuru County, where detectives believe he was headed.
He commended members of the public for promptly reporting the suspicious livestock, saying their cooperation enabled police to recover most of the stolen animals before they could be disposed of.
The Deputy OCPD warned that security agencies would continue pursuing the suspect until he is arrested and arraigned in court.
The recovered sheep were taken to Nyahururu Police Station for documentation before being released to their owner after identification. The cows remain at the station, with police appealing to anyone who may have lost cattle to report and identify them.
Ngaruiya said he discovered the theft after waking up to find his house locked from the outside. He escaped through a window and realized all his sheep had disappeared.
He immediately alerted neighbours, who joined the search and helped trace the livestock to the suspect’s homestead.
The recovery has encouraged other victims of livestock theft to report similar incidents. Susan Wangui, whose 13 dairy goats were stolen two weeks ago, said she hopes police will also recover her animals.
Residents said livestock theft has recently increased in the Chemi Chemi area and appealed to security agencies to intensify patrols and investigations to curb the crime.
By Kimani Tirus
