A man has been fatally shot during a violent raid in Nyabiora village, Ntimaru, Migori County, where armed bandits made away with seven cows. The incident occurred on August 27 around 1 pm, sparking fear and tension among residents.
According to witnesses, a gang of about 16 men, armed with firearms, arrows, and bows, stormed the village in broad daylight. They drove away the animals and abducted 32-year-old Thomas Machera during the attack. His body was later discovered in Transmara South, Narok County, with a bullet wound to the chest. He also had an arrow lodged in his left leg and another in the back of his head, pointing to the brutal nature of the killing.
Security personnel who visited the scene confirmed that investigations had been launched into both the murder and the theft of the animals. Machera’s body was taken to the mortuary, pending a postmortem examination as part of the ongoing probe.
The incident has reignited concerns over cattle rustling in the region, a menace that has persisted for decades and often leaves families devastated. Despite government interventions, cases of livestock theft continue to fluctuate, sometimes escalating into deadly confrontations. Residents say the violence has hindered development in affected areas, discouraging investment and forcing families to live in fear.
Authorities have now increased police deployment in Ntimaru and neighboring villages to prevent further attacks. Security operations will focus not only on tracking the gang behind the latest raid but also on dismantling the wider networks that fuel the cattle rustling trade.
The government has pledged a long-term strategy aimed at tackling the root causes of livestock theft. This includes empowering communities with alternative livelihoods such as subsidized agricultural inputs, farming extension services, and other support programs. Officials believe reducing over-reliance on cattle rearing could ease competition and help address recurring conflict.
In addition, the Interior Ministry has announced fresh vetting of all National Police Reservists (NPRs) to strengthen local security operations. NPR officers will now operate under the direct command of local police station heads, ensuring accountability and better coordination.
Leaders have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as efforts intensify to restore peace and end the cycle of violence linked to cattle rustling in Migori and beyond.
