2 arrested as police recover 12 stolen cattle in Bungoma
By Mustafa Juma, June 6, 2026Police in Bungoma County have recovered 12 stolen cattle and arrested two persons of interest following a coordinated multi-agency operation targeting livestock theft in the region.
The operation, led by the National Police Service (NPS) in collaboration with National Government Administration officers, was launched after livestock owners reported the disappearance of 14 head of cattle while grazing in the Kaperua Forest area.
Acting on intelligence and sustained search efforts, the NPS, in a statement shared via X on Saturday, June 6, 2026, said security teams conducted operations in neighbouring areas, eventually tracing the stolen animals to Kipsigon Forest in Kopsiro Sub-County.
According to the NPS, 12 of the missing cattle were successfully recovered during the operation, while two suspects believed to be linked to the theft were arrested and are currently in police custody pending further investigations.
“Yesterday, a joint operation led by the National Police Service resulted in the recovery of stolen cattle and the arrest of two suspects,” the NPS stated.
“The operation was initiated after livestock owners from Bungoma County reported the loss of fourteen head of cattle while grazing in the Kaperua Forest area. National Police Service officers, supported by National Government Administration Officers, conducted an extensive search in neighbouring areas. As a result of well-coordinated efforts and intelligence gathered, twelve of the stolen animals were recovered at Kipsigon Forest in Kopsiro Sub-County.”
Identification of owners underway
The recovered livestock have since been secured by authorities, with arrangements underway for identification by their rightful owners before formal handover is completed.
“The two suspects arrested in connection with the theft are in police custody, pending further investigation and subsequent legal action. The recovered cattle have been secured, and arrangements are being made for their identification by the rightful owners prior to formal handover,” the statement reads.
Police said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat cattle rustling, which remains a persistent security challenge in some parts of western Kenya.
Community intelligence
The National Police Service commended the collaboration between officers, local administrators, and members of the public, noting that community intelligence played a key role in the success of the operation.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to intensifying security operations and disrupting criminal networks involved in livestock theft.
“National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to working closely with other security agencies, the local administration, and members of the public to combat cattle rustling. This partnership remains a powerful tool in disrupting criminal activities and ensuring safer, more secure communities,” the service said.
The incident comes days after security officers in Marsabit County recovered 251 sheep and goats following a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits in Loiyangalani Sub-county, in a coordinated multi-agency operation aimed at curbing rampant livestock theft in the region.
The recovery followed an intensive security pursuit that led officers to Lokilipi and Sarima areas, where they confronted armed suspects believed to have been behind the theft.
Two weeks ago, multi-agency security teams also successfully recovered 24 stolen livestock following a swift and coordinated operation linked to a reported banditry incident under Operation Maliza Uhalifu.