Security agencies in Isiolo County have recovered 120 stolen goats and eight cows following a joint operation involving police, local leaders, and community elders. The recovery marks a significant step in curbing the wave of livestock thefts and retaliatory raids that have recently escalated tensions in the region.
The incident traces back to early August, when rustlers stole five cows from a resident. In retaliation, herdsmen from the affected community raided the Lurubae area of Archer’s Post, seizing an unknown number of goats and sheep. Both thefts were promptly reported to local police stations, prompting coordinated efforts to track and recover the stolen animals.
Working together, the National Police Service, local administrators, and respected elders from both sides managed to locate the missing livestock. The recovered animals were officially handed over to their rightful owners in a brief ceremony at Ngaremara Centre. The event was attended by local law enforcement officers, administrative officials, community elders, and leaders, who used the occasion to urge peace and discourage further acts of retaliation.
The handover was seen as a symbolic act of reconciliation between the affected communities. Stakeholders pledged to strengthen dialogue, promote peaceful coexistence, and prevent future livestock raids. Authorities emphasized that cooperation between security agencies and residents is the most effective approach to dealing with rustling, which continues to affect pastoralist regions.
This latest recovery follows a similar incident in Igembe Central Sub-County just weeks earlier, where police retrieved 145 head of cattle stolen in July. In both cases, swift reporting, community involvement, and coordinated action by security forces played a crucial role in returning the livestock to their owners.
Police have reiterated their commitment to protecting life and property, assuring residents that they remain vigilant in tracking down remaining stolen animals and bringing those responsible to justice. They have urged communities to report thefts promptly and to avoid retaliatory attacks that fuel cycles of violence.
The Isiolo livestock recovery not only addresses the immediate loss of valuable animals but also signals an ongoing effort to blend law enforcement with community-led peace initiatives. Authorities hope that such collaborative measures will help break the cycle of raids and reprisals that have long troubled the region’s pastoralist communities.
