Police recover 100 goats stolen in Meru
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 7, 2026Police have recovered 100 goats stolen from Meru County in a fresh operation targeting livestock theft in the region.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) said officers traced the animals to the Manyatta Zebra Grazing Zone in Isiolo County. The goats had been stolen from the Mbataru area in Tigania East.
“Police teams that were following up on a reported theft of goats from the Mbataru area of Tigania East successfully recovered one hundred (100) goats,” the NPS said.
The service said the operation relied on coordinated patrols and intelligence gathering. Officers tracked the animals and secured them before returning them to their owners.
“The recovered animals were positively identified by the rightful owner and subsequently handed over in the presence of the local administration,” the statement added.
Police have stepped up patrols in Meru and neighbouring Isiolo County in response to rising cases of banditry and livestock theft. The NPS said the continued presence of officers in these areas aims to protect property and support local livelihoods.
Recent livestock recoveries
The latest recovery follows similar operations in recent weeks. In March 2026, officers recovered 27 cows stolen from the Naibala area in Meru after tracking them to Isiolo County. Police said they overpowered the suspects after an exchange of gunfire before securing the animals.
In a separate incident, security teams also recovered 13 cows stolen from Laikipia West Sub-county. Officers traced the livestock and returned them to the owner after verification.
Police say such operations show progress in the fight against stock theft, which remains a major concern in pastoral areas. Many families depend on livestock for income and food, making such crimes costly.
The NPS said it will continue to work with other security agencies to deal with the problem.
“The success of the operation highlights the effectiveness of sustained security interventions and reaffirms our commitment to curbing banditry and protecting community livelihoods,” the statement said.
Authorities have urged members of the public to share information that can help prevent crime and support ongoing investigations into those behind the theft.