Bandit shot dead as police recover stolen herd in Meru operation

In a major security operation in Meru County, police shot dead one suspected bandit and recovered 45 cattle and two donkeys from a hideout in Luthaya village. The livestock, believed to have been stolen, were taken to Mutuati Police Station for identification and return to their rightful owners. Kenyans
The raid in Kerio Valley was carried out by a joint security team responding to a violent raid earlier in April, when armed raiders killed three police reservists and made off with dozens of animals — 87 cattle, 22 goats, and seven donkeys. Kenyans+1 During that incident, security agents later recovered two AK-47 rifles hidden in Isiolo County, believed to have been used by the attackers. Kenyans Authorities say improved coordination between the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the General Service Unit (GSU), and other security outfits underpins their recent successes. Kenyans
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who has been leading renewed efforts against cattle rustling, welcomed the operation as a vindication of the government’s strategy. Kenyans But he warned that while progress is being made, the problem has not been eliminated, citing the persistent flow of illegal firearms and the need for communities to remain vigilant. Kenyans
Looking ahead, security officials say they will sustain this intelligence-led pressure and encourage locals to share information. The goal is not just to recover stolen property but to dismantle the broader cattle-rustling networks that have long destabilised Meru and neighbouring counties. If maintained, these joint operations could serve as a model for deeper, community‑driven peace efforts in rustling‑prone regions.