Police in Laikipia East recovered stolen livestock on Thursday, May 22, 2025, after confronting a group of suspected bandits near Ol-Kinyei Dam. The successful operation, led by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Doldol Police Station, resulted in the recovery of seven cows that had been stolen earlier in the day.
Acting on a theft report, a multi-agency security team including officers from the National Police Service (NPS) and other security units launched a swift pursuit of the suspects. The operation heightened hopes among local pastoralist communities, who have long been plagued by livestock raids.
Upon encountering the armed bandits near the dam, the officers engaged them in a confrontation. Overwhelmed by the superior response, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning the stolen animals. The recovered livestock was safely transported to Kiwanja Ndege Shopping Centre and handed over to their rightful owner, bringing much-needed relief to the affected family and local residents.
The operation is part of intensified efforts by Kenyan security forces to curb banditry in regions like Laikipia, which have experienced a troubling increase in livestock thefts and violent attacks. Authorities have adopted a combination of increased patrols, intelligence-led operations, and community policing to dismantle criminal networks.
“This recovery highlights the importance of community cooperation and prompt reporting of suspicious activities,” said a statement from the NPS. The service reaffirmed its dedication to protecting lives and property while working closely with local communities.
The incident in Laikipia comes as the nation reels from another act of violence in West Pokot’s Kerio Valley, where Catholic priest Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett was shot dead in a targeted ambush after presiding over a mass. A catechist traveling with him is still missing. Police have arrested six suspects in connection with the priest’s murder, which has further emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security in volatile regions.
Together, these incidents underscore both the challenges and progress in Kenya’s battle against banditry, with authorities promising continued vigilance and action.
