Four held for stealing animals Nyandarua

Police have smashed a livestock theft syndicate in which the animals are slaughtered and the meat sold to unsuspecting butcheries in Nairobi, Nakuru and Kisii counties.

According to security agencies, the criminals steal sheep, goats and cows, slaughter them and transport the meat in personal vehicles to markets in Kisii, Nairobi, Nakuru, Naivasha and Kiambu.

At least five vehicles, among them four saloon cars and a lorry used by the unscrupulous traders, have been impounded in the past one week and four suspects arrested.

Mirangine County Police Commander Edwins Ongwari said about 50 head of cattle have been stolen in the past one month.

“Police are trailing a gang that steals livestock from farmers and sells them to various markets and butcheries,” said Mr Ongwari at the weekend.

Ongwari said 11 head of cattle stolen from Tumaini location were seized in Kisii County.

Seven of the cows were impounded at Kisii Central while two others were found in Kitutu Masaba Central.

The cows were being transported in a lorry and accompanied by a Toyota Premio that was doing surveillance, according to the police.