Police officers in Tigania East Sub-County, Meru County, have recovered 204 head of cattle stolen during a night raid in the area.
According to the National Police Service, the recovery followed a swift response and a coordinated pursuit by officers after the theft was reported.
The stolen livestock was traced to the Madoadoa area along the Isiolo–Gambela Road.
Security officers confronted the suspected cattle rustlers, leading to an exchange of fire before the suspects were overwhelmed and forced to abandon the animals.
The National Police Service said that all the recovered cattle were secured and later handed back to their rightful owners.
Police said operations targeting livestock theft have been intensified through coordinated patrols, multi-agency collaboration, and partnerships with local communities.
The National Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting livelihoods and enhancing security in the region.
Kenyans have been urged to continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities through the toll-free numbers 999, 911, or 112, or anonymously via the DCI hotline on 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
On Monday, police officers in Garbatula, Isiolo County, recovered 300 goats that were stolen from two local herders following a swift security operation.
According to the National Police Service, officers from Garbatula Police Station responded promptly after receiving a report of the theft and launched a pursuit of the suspected livestock thieves.
The officers tracked the stolen animals to the Malkandaka area, where they encountered five suspected rustlers.
The suspects fled the scene upon spotting the police, abandoning the animals and evading arrest.
The recovered goats were secured and later safely returned to their rightful owners.
Police said efforts to trace and arrest the suspects are ongoing.
NPS has also intensified operations aimed at curbing livestock theft through enhanced patrols, close collaboration with local communities, and intelligence-led interventions.
The Service reiterated its commitment to restoring and maintaining lasting security in pastoral areas across the country.
In August, a multi-agency security team, supported by elders from Lochakula Sub-Location, recovered 27 goats in Lochakula Sub-Location, Masol Location, Pokot Central Sub-County, West Pokot County.
The animals had been stolen on July 26, 2025, and the incident was reported at Kainuk Police Station.
The recovered goats were transported to Kainuk ASTU Camp, where they were held pending identification and handover to their rightful owners.
In the same month, security agencies and community leaders in Isiolo County concluded a recovery operation following a series of livestock thefts and retaliatory incidents in the area.
The operation was initiated after a report was made at Isiolo Police Station earlier in the month, in which cattle rustlers stole five cows from a resident.
by PERPETUA ETYANG
