Police officers from Mavoko SNP Police Station in Machakos successfully intercepted a herd of 20 suspected stolen donkeys on Monday, reinforcing efforts to combat livestock theft in the region.

Taking to X on September 22, 2025, NPS wrote, “Today, 22nd September 2025, police officers from Mavoko SNP Police Station, acting on intelligence, successfully intercepted a herd of suspected stolen donkeys.”

Acting on intelligence, officers recovered the animals and escorted them to the station, where they are being held pending identification and formal handover to their rightful owner. A person of interest who managed to flee during the operation is currently being pursued.

According to the statement, the Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspect who escaped. All twenty recovered donkeys were escorted to the station, where they are being held pending identification and formal handover to their rightful owner.

“Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspect who escaped. All twenty recovered donkeys were escorted to the station, where they are being held pending identification and formal handover to their rightful owner.”

The service emphasised its ongoing commitment to curbing livestock theft, assuring the public of vigilant and swift action against offenders to protect livelihoods and maintain community security. The recovered donkeys are particularly important to rural communities, serving as critical assets for transportation and agricultural work.

Manhunt underway for person of interest

Authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspect who escaped during the operation.

The NPS highlighted the importance of public cooperation in providing information to aid the investigation, underlining the role of community engagement in safeguarding livestock and other economic assets. This operation is part of broader proactive measures by the police to deter criminal activity and ensure stability in regions reliant on livestock.

“The National Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to curb livestock theft and related crimes. We assure the public of our continued vigilance and swift action against offenders to safeguard livelihoods and community security.”

Police operations

The Machakos operation comes shortly after a related security development in Elgeyo Marakwet County. On Sunday, September 21, 2025, residents of Tot voluntarily surrendered seven AK-47 rifles to local authorities.

The firearms were handed over to sub-county security teams with support from peace committees in Murukutwa, Chechan, Chemwonyo, and Talai Locations. The surrendered rifles are now secured at the Tot Police Station, signalling a commitment to reducing armed conflict in the Kerio Valley region.