In a solemn yet hopeful ceremony held at Bullo Astu Camp in Naathu location, Meru County Commissioner, Jacob Ouma, oversaw the long-awaited return of stolen livestock to their rightful owners on Tuesday, March 26.

Present at the event were key officials including representatives from the Sub-County Security Intelligence Committee (SCSIC) from Mutuati and Igembe North, as well as officers from the National Police Reservists (NPR), alongside the relieved livestock owners.

The occasion marked the resolution of a distressing theft incident that occurred in the serene hills of Ngitatu in Antuambui Location, Igembe North Sub-County.

According to reports, bandits were responsible for the brazen theft, making off with a staggering 260 heads of cattle (H/C) and 8 donkeys.

However, through concerted efforts by law enforcement agencies, 209 H/C and all 8 donkeys were successfully recovered and returned to their rightful owners, namely Ntarangwe Isaac, Thanga Bundi, and Kanathi David.

During the handover ceremony, heartfelt sentiments and important calls to action echoed across the gathering.

Livestock owners’ representative, Isaac Ntarangwe, expressed profound gratitude to the security agencies for their tireless efforts in recovering the stolen livestock. He urged for increased patrols and intensified efforts to recover the remaining stolen stock. He also pledged to provide timely information on any suspicious activities observed in the northern grazing area.

The county commissioner acknowledged the invaluable efforts of security officers in recovering the stock under the veil of darkness. Ouma cautioned livestock owners against entrusting untrustworthy individuals as herders.

The Commissioner also issued a stern warning against providing inaccurate figures on stolen livestock to law enforcement, emphasizing that perpetrators will face prosecution. He highlighted the possibility of collaboration between local grazers and external bandits before urging for vigilance within communities.

Ouma called for prompt reporting of any incidents and advocated for the provision of armored vehicles to bolster units like ASTU and RDU. Security agencies were also challenged to maintain consistency in coordinated patrols to yield tangible results.

The County Commissioner emphasized the importance of treating intelligence information with the seriousness it deserves, enlisting the support of Non-Governmental Administrative Organizations (NGAOs) in gathering intelligence on potential collaborators involved in livestock theft.

Meanwhile, as the stolen livestock found their way back home, the event served as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the community in the face of adversity, while underscoring the critical need for sustained vigilance and collaboration in safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring peace in the region.