Two suspected bandits killed, 46 cattle recovered in Meru

Two suspected bandits were killed and 46 stolen cattle recovered during a multi-agency security operation in Meru County following a shootout in Tigania East Sub-County.

Police said the incident occurred on March 20, 2026, at around 11:00 a.m., after a report of stock theft. Acting on the report, security teams pursued suspected cattle rustlers and intercepted them in the Madoadoa area.

Police said a fierce exchange of fire ensued during the confrontation, forcing the suspects to flee. In the process, the assailants abandoned 46 head of cattle, which were secured by officers.

During the operation, the bodies of two men were found at the scene with fatal gunshot wounds. The bodies were moved to a local morgue pending formal identification and postmortem examination.

The recovered livestock were escorted to Matabithi GSU Camp for safe custody before being handed over to the rightful owner.

Security personnel have since intensified operations in the area, combing nearby locations in pursuit of the remaining suspects. Authorities expressed confidence that more arrests and possible recoveries will be made.

The incident underscores ongoing security challenges linked to cattle rustling in parts of Meru and neighbouring regions, even as security agencies step up efforts to curb the vice. The area is among those under a special operation aimed at eradicating cattle rustling.

Separately, a 33-year-old man died after falling from a coconut tree while tapping palm wine in Kilifi County.

Police said the incident occurred on March 20, 2026, at around 9:00 a.m. in Timboni Village, Kuruwitu Sub-location within Kilifi South Sub-County.

The case was reported by area Assistant Chief Jackson Yawa, prompting police officers and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to visit the scene, located about nine kilometres northeast of the station.

Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased, identified as Rama Mukutano, was tapping palm wine from a coconut tree on a farm belonging to a local resident when he slipped and fell due to heavy rains.

He sustained injuries to his hands and other parts of the body. Members of the public rushed him to Vipingo Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body was later moved to Kilifi County Referral Hospital mortuary, where it awaits postmortem examination.

Authorities termed the incident accidental and urged caution during risky activities, especially under adverse weather conditions.