Some 16 out of 29 most-wanted cattle rustlers have been arrested as police intensify the war against rustling in Kibigori along the Kisumu-Nandi border.
Assistant Inspector General of police Joseph Keitany said the suspects were arrested during various operations at the border. He said among the suspects is a woman who was found with a stolen cow at Fortenan area in Kipkelion.
“We have so far arrested 16 of the suspects in different operations both in Nandi and Kisumu counties,” he said.
Keitany said police are trailing those on the run linked to animal theft, including butchery operators.
Speaking to the press yesterday, he said five of the suspects will be charged with robbery with violence and three with stock theft. This comes days after Kisumu county commissioner John Elungata released names of those linked to animal theft in the area.
He named 50 rustlers and traders linked to animal theft, which was later scrutinised to 29 key suspects. Elungata said the government have also formed an anti-stock theft unit in Kibigori to end the clashes and rustling.
Patrol and investigations have been intense in Kibigori area after clashes that left three people killed and 15 others seriously injured over animal theft.
The conflict was ignited by rustling between the Luo and Kalenjin. Eight houses were burnt in Kibigori. One of the main suspect and trainer of criminals, Willy Kabur was shot dead by police as two of his accomplice escaped with gun wounds at Potopoto area.
Clan clashes between the Nandi and Kisumu counties at Muhoroni have been occasioned by animal theft.