Nyahururu: Police in Nyahururu have recovered 33 sheep believed to have been stolen from a farmer in the Chemi Chemi area as investigations continue to trace a suspect who remains at large.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Joseph Kamanu stated that police received a report on Wednesday about 47 sheep belonging to George Ngaruiya that had been stolen from his homestead in Chemi Chemi. Following this report, security officers embarked on a search to locate both the stolen livestock and the suspected thieves.
Kamanu mentioned that the breakthrough occurred when the Chief of Silale Location informed police about livestock suspected to have been stolen being spotted at a homestead in the area. Police officers arrived at the residence and recovered 33 sheep; however, the suspect was not present.
Additionally, the officers impounded several cows found at the homestead, pending investigations to determine their ownership, as they are suspected to have been stolen. Kamanu noted that investigations suggest the suspect, known to the complainant, fled before police arrived. Preliminary tracking of his mobile phone indicated his presence in the Bahati area of Nakuru County, where detectives believe he was headed.
Kamanu commended the public for quickly reporting the suspicious livestock, emphasizing that their cooperation enabled police to recover most of the stolen animals before they could be disposed of. He warned that security agencies would continue pursuing the suspect until he is arrested and brought to court.
The recovered sheep were taken to Nyahururu Police Station for documentation before being released to their owner after identification. The cows remain at the station, and police are appealing to anyone who may have lost cattle to report and identify them.
George Ngaruiya discovered the theft after finding his house locked from the outside and escaping through a window, only to realize all his sheep were gone. He immediately alerted neighbors, who joined the search and helped trace the livestock to the suspect’s homestead.
This recovery has encouraged other livestock theft victims to report similar incidents. Susan Wangui, whose 13 dairy goats were stolen two weeks ago, expressed hope that police will also recover her animals. Residents have reported an increase in livestock theft in the Chemi Chemi area and have called on security agencies to intensify patrols and investigations to curb the crime.
