Police Arrest Three Suspects and Recover 26 Stolen Cattle in Crackdown
Police in Siaya County have arrested three suspects and successfully recovered 26 heads of cattle in a major breakthrough against livestock theft. The operation, which followed a tip-off from members of the public, led officers to a homestead in Ugunja sub-county where the stolen animals were being kept. The recovery is a significant victory for a community that has been grappling with persistent cattle rustling, which has caused substantial economic losses for local farmers.
According to police reports, the suspects were apprehended after security agencies acted on intelligence about a planned movement of stolen livestock. The animals are believed to have been stolen from various farms within the region before being gathered at a single location. The swift action by the police prevented the cattle from being moved to a different region or butchered, which is the common fate of stolen livestock. The three individuals are currently in custody and are assisting police with investigations to uncover the broader rustling network.
The successful operation has been hailed by local leaders and residents, who have long called for a more robust response to cattle rustling. Area police commander Celine Muchuni commended the public for their cooperation and urged for continued collaboration to eradicate the crime. The 26 cattle have been positively identified by their owners and are in the process of being returned, bringing relief to the affected families and sending a strong warning to criminal gangs involved in livestock theft.