Police in Samburu stop attempted cattle raid
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, February 16, 2026Police in Samburu County have stopped a suspected raiding attempt in a joint operation conducted by officers from the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Police Reservists (NPR).
Confirming the incident on their X handle on Monday, February 16, 2026, the National Police Service has said that the attempted raid was stopped after a resident from the Marti location of Samburu County raised an alarm. The resident who was grazing the herd of goats was ambushed by unknown raiders who made off with the livestock. The police, however, acted swiftly and intercepted the livestock and managed to recover them.
“Yesterday, officers from the National Police Service (NPS), supported by National Police Reservists (NPR), mounted a swift and coordinated response following a distress call from a resident of Marti Location, Samburu County. The report indicated that a herdsman grazing goats along the Marti–Sulubei Road had been ambushed by unknown raiders, who forcefully drove away the livestock,” the livestock,” NPS’ statement read.
The NPS reported that all 50 goats that were stolen were successfully recovered and later handed back to the owner in the presence of the area Assistant Chief.
“The officers immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, tracking their movement across the terrain and intercepting them a short distance from the scene. The pursuit quickly escalated into a fierce exchange of fire as the officers confronted the armed raiders.
“Faced with the coordinated and resolute response by the security team, the assailants were overpowered and forced to retreat into the thickets towards the Loibasat area, abandoning the stolen livestock in their wake. All fifty (50) goats were successfully recovered and later handed back to the owner in the presence of the area Assistant Chief,” the statement added.
The National Police Service has affirmed that the successful operation highlights sustained security operations targeting banditry and livestock theft, reaffirming the commitment of the National Police Service to protect communities and ensure the safety of lives and property.
The police have called on the members of the public to ensure they report such incidents in time for the missions to recover the livestock successfully and end banditry in the area.