Livestock thieves arrested in Bahati, Nakuru

Police in Bahati have exposed a gang that is stealing livestock and selling the meat to butcheries in Nakuru town.

Five people suspected to be part of the gang were arrested yesterday and locked up at Bahati Police Station.

“At least eight suspects are being held. The criminals operate in a syndicate that is causing farmers losses,” said Bahati police boss Edward Wafula.

He explained that the suspects transport the livestock to a privately owned slaughterhouse hidden behind bars in Heshima area.

The meat is not inspected by officers from the public health department or veterinary officers, posing a risk to consumers.

Mr Wafula said police laid an ambush at the slaughterhouse after being tipped off by the public and recovered several animals that were about to be slaughtered.

Animals recovered

During interrogation, the suspects said they came from Kivumbini and Mwariki in Nakuru Town East, Kwa Rhonda in Nakuru Town West, and Dondori in Bahati.

Three vehicles waiting to transport the meat from the slaughterhouse were impounded.

“Cases of cattle theft have been on the rise in the area. We are interrogating those arrested to see whether they will name more accomplices,” Wafula said.

 A victim of the theft, George Makena, said security officers had not been helpful since little is done to nab the culprits even after cases are reported.

 “It is bad to see our cattle stolen by criminals who break into our homes regularly, yet little is being done by the authorities,” said Mr Makena.

The chairman of the business community, James Mwangi, said there were many cases of burglary in various shops at Kabatini.

“We hope the Government will help address this issue by beefing up patrol,” he said.