LIVESTOCK theft has significantly reduced in Kakamega county over the last three months, following intensified patrols and strengthened collaboration with local communities, police have said.
Cattle theft had been rampant in the southern parts of the county, particularly in Matungu, Butere, Mumias East and Khwisero.
Kakamega County Police Commander Tom Achiya attributed the decline in livestock theft to the establishment of an Anti-Stock Theft Unit at Eshihaka in Mumias East in early February, as well as effective partnership with the community.
“Currently, the rate of stock theft has reduced, registering low numbers but high recovery of stolen animals,” he said.
ASTU officers were deployed in Mumias East in February.
Achiya said livestock theft activities have been occurring along a corridor stretching from Navakholo through Mumias East, Mumias West and Butere, and into Siaya county.
He further noted that a suspected cattle thief was recently shot in Butere after stolen livestock was traced to his home and he allegedly attempted to attack officers with a machete.
Meanwhile, during the burial service of Aloice Kulubi on Monday, Matungu MP Peter Nabulindo said an ASTU unit will be established at Indangalasia in the constituency to tackle the rampant stock theft.
“I urge residents to provide information about those involved in livestock theft to the police because you know them. You do not need to fear since there is a witness protection arrangement within the law. If you do not report them, the next cattle to be stolen may be yours,” he said.
Namamali MCA Boniface Mabuku said those stealing livestock, particularly in Mungakha and Mirere villages where the vice is rampant, often work with people within the community.
“When we were growing up, there was nothing like stealing cattle. We used to hear about such from other areas, but it is now happening in our midst. We need to re-examine ourselves,” he said.
