A middle aged man is currently being held at Ekerenyo police station in Nyamira after he was found in possession of a stolen cow.
Nyamira county commissioner Amos Mariba confirmed the incident on Tuesday.
The commissioner said the suspect identified as Dennis was nabbed at his home in Itibo village by angry residents who were searching after the cow.
"The stolen cow was found at the home of the suspect. Angry residents who were on a search mission stormed the suspect's homestead and found the cow tied there. They roughed up the suspect, beat him up before police officers who were on a normal patrol rescued him," said the commissioner as reported by Egesa Fm.
The county security boss argued that were it not for the police officers, the suspect could have been set on fire by residents.
He said theft of cattle must end noting that local chiefs and police are on the high alert to end theft of cattle.
"Stealing of cattle will not be condoned in Nyamira. I urge residents colluding with cattle thieves to surrender to police or stop before the law catches them up," he noted.
Mariba assured that the suspect will be arraigned in court to be charged in accordance with the law.