Bandits Kill 2 In Baringo Attack, Rustlers Invent New Way To Transport Stolen Sheep
Bandits stage an attack in Baringo, killing two and injuring one.
Two people were shot dead and one seriously injured after bandits attacked the Nosukuro area on Saturday night and stole more than 50 herds of cattle.
The latest attack follows nearly six months of relative peace in Baringo South.
The two people killed were among the herders ambushed in the grazing fields.
Bandits Kill 2:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) July 21, 2024
2 people killed in attack at Nosukuro, Baringo South
One person injured in the ambush on herders#CitizenSundayLive @OBurrows pic.twitter.com/RLKeYLBdxp
The bodies of the deceased were discovered after a day-long search in the overgrown thick bushes by police officers looking for bandits.
The bodies have been taken to Kabarnet Mortuary, while the injured have been transferred to Nakuru Level 4 Hospital.
Rustler’s New Trick
After the Kajiado government prohibited the transport of livestock in trucks at night in July 2021, rustlers devised a method of transporting stolen sheep in small cars.
Prior to the ban imposed by then-Livestock executive Jackline Koin, farmers had lost 1,000 animals in six months.
Mashuuru, Isinya, Inkiito, and Kitengela were the most severely affected areas.
Following public outcry, Koin clarified that the order was harsh and could harm the business community.
Speaking with the Star over the phone, Koin stated that livestock movement to other areas would only occur after verification.
“The verification by the local community livestock sale yard committees and area chief will ensure that the livestock being moved have originated from a known source,” she said.
A small car carrying nine live sheep from Isinya was apprehended last Tuesday morning after a lengthy pursuit by DCI officers.
This has revealed how rustlers have passed through police roadblocks undetected.
During a burial ceremony in Isinya on Tuesday evening, area MCA Joshua Olowuasa claimed that farmers in Ilasit, Olekuule, and Empuyiankat lose 100 sheep per month.
“It is now clear the rustlers are using small cars to steal our animals and pass through the police roadblocks at night without being detected,” he said.
The politician asked the police to be more vigilant at roadblocks and to inspect all vehicles at night.
He also requested that the Isinya OCS not release the vehicle detained by DCI officers on Tuesday morning until the suspects were brought to justice.
The Kaputiei North MCA also asked Patrick Manyasi, the area police subcounty commander, to make sure that all vehicles, including motorcycles, are checked at roadblocks.
He claimed that motorbikes are used to transport slaughtered goats and sheep, allowing for easy passage through police roadblocks.
It was also revealed on Tuesday that the rustlers used tinted cars to conceal their cargo when approaching police roadblocks.
The MCA claimed that insecurity had struck the Jamii Bora Estate, where a watchman was killed at Kaputiei Secondary School one week ago.
A resident of Ilasit, near Isinya town, claimed that rustlers strike every night and steal sheep from homes without leaving a trace.
Bandits Kill 2 In Baringo Attack, Rustlers Invent New Way To Transport Stolen Sheep