A deadly cattle raid has shaken the village of Jimo in Nyakach North, Kisumu County, after heavily armed rustlers launched a violent attack that left one man dead and livestock stolen. The incident has reignited long-standing tensions along the Kisumu-Kericho border and renewed calls for enhanced security in the region.
The victim of the attack, a local resident named Mourice Otieno Pete, was ambushed in the early hours of the morning by assailants believed to have crossed into the area from neighboring Soin Sigowet in Kericho County. He was reportedly shot with a bow and arrow before being brutally hacked to death with a machete. His body has since been taken to Bethlehem Mortuary, where a postmortem is scheduled.
Local authorities have confirmed that the suspects behind the raid are believed to be known criminals operating from the Soin Sigowet area. In response to the attack, security personnel launched a swift operation, combing through the dense thickets of Kamaitha and Kamagon, where they managed to recover three of the four stolen cows. However, one cow and four goats are still missing.
Law enforcement officers involved in the recovery efforts said that the search continues and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. “We have already recovered three cows. Now, we are actively searching for the last one along with four stolen goats,” stated one of the officers on the ground.
The brazen nature of the attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, which is no stranger to cattle rustling incidents. Such raids have historically stoked tension between communities in Kisumu and Kericho counties, often escalating into broader security challenges. The murder of Mourice Otieno has deeply unsettled the villagers, many of whom are now living in fear.
Community leaders have spoken out strongly in the wake of the attack, urging both local residents and national authorities to take immediate steps to address the recurring violence. There are growing demands for more patrols along the county borders, better intelligence gathering, and swift legal action against perpetrators of such crimes. Leaders also emphasized the importance of cooperation between residents and security agencies to prevent future raids.
Local residents are expressing outrage and grief over the killing, describing the victim as a peaceful man who was deeply rooted in the community. Many are calling for justice and a comprehensive strategy to address the menace of cattle rustling, which not only threatens their livelihoods but also puts lives at risk.
The increased tension in the area has prompted the deployment of additional security personnel to monitor the situation and prevent potential retaliation or further attacks. Investigations are ongoing, and several persons of interest have reportedly been identified as authorities intensify their efforts to apprehend the culprits.
As the village mourns the loss of one of its own, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety and security of residents while maintaining peace along the often volatile inter-county boundary. The incident has served as a grim reminder of the human cost of livestock theft and the urgent need for lasting solutions to end such violence.
