Herders with animals in a grazing field. Isiolo county commissioner George Natembeya has warned butchery owners against colluding with cattle rustlers to slaughter stolen animals. (Photo/Star.)
Police in Isiolo county and Meru counties are investigating owners of some butcheries suspected to be slaughtering stolen animals.
Isiolo county commissioner George Natembeya on Monday said intelligence reports point to traders in both counties colluding with cattle rustlers to get cheap cattle for slaughter in Isiolo town and Maili Saba, Meru.
"We have received crucial reports about some butchery owners colluding with cattle thieves in the two counties. The investigation is ongoing and we will catch up with offenders and arrest them to be charged," said Natembeya.
The commissioner said the trend has dealt a blow to efforts to recover stolen animals.
"Slaughtering of stolen animals has made it hard for police officers to recover stolen animals and this should stop," he added.
He noted that police will not leave anything to chance until cattle rustling ends in the region.
"Theft of animals should stop and police officers will not stop fight against cattle rustling anytime soon", said Natembeya.