Farmers decry rampant cattle theft in Homa Bay

More than 200 herds of cattle had been stolen in Ndhiwa Sub-county in the last three months. [iStockphoto]

Livestock traders and farmers have decried rampant cattle rustling in Homa Bay county.

The worst affected sub-county is Ndhiwa, where a number of farmers have lost their livestock to thieves.

Residents claim the stolen cattle are usually sold to slaughterhouses in neighbouring sub-counties and counties.

Homa Bay county Livestock and Meat Traders Co-operative Society Secretary Paul Osodo and cattle farmers said the theft had been on the rise.

Osodo said the cattle are sold to abattoirs in Migori, Kisii and Siaya through Lake Victoria.

He said more than 200 herds of cattle had been stolen in Ndhiwa Sub-county in the last three months.

"We are tired of these thieves. Every week, we receive cases and the situation is getting out of hand," Osodo.

He said thieves transport the livestock with boats to Rarieda Sub-county in Siaya through Lake Victoria.

"They use boats to transport the livestock but we have known their tricks," he added.

Osodo said they had instructed abattoir operators in Homa Bay county to ensure anybody who takes an animal for slaughtering takes a photograph with the animal before it is slaughtered.

"We have instructed slaughterhouse operators to ensure people who slaughter cattle in their houses take pictures with the cattle. This can help us identify stolen cattle," he added.

He called security agencies in the county to intervene and rescue them.

"Two prime suspects from Ndhiwa have been arrested by police in Kehancha, Migori county on Thursday. They were found with three cattle whose owners have not been identified," Osodo added.

Maurice Ogony, a farmer, complained that cattle theft is a serious economic drawback in the area.

"I have suffered losses after my cow was stolen. We appeal for the intervention of our security agencies," said Ogony.