Police recover 80 stolen livestock in Laikipia anti-bandit operation
By Sharon Atieno, July 12, 2026A multi-agency security team has recovered 80 stolen livestock after pursuing suspected armed bandits in Laikipia County, in an operation that the National Police Service (NPS) says underscores the importance of prompt public reporting and coordinated security operations.
In a statement shared on its X account on Saturday, July 11, 2026, NPS said the recovery followed a distress report from a livestock owner in the Kopoi area of Kuri Kuri Sub-location, where suspected bandits had driven away animals that were grazing.
Swift response foils bandits
According to police, officers who were already conducting foot patrols in the area immediately redirected their operation after receiving the report and pursued the persons of interest before they could escape into a nearby forest.
The security team followed the trail left by the stolen animals, forcing the suspects to abandon the livestock and flee.
“A timely report from a distressed resident, coupled with the swift coordination of a multi-agency team, prevented what could have been the loss of his livestock in Laikipia County, reaffirming the importance of prompt reporting and rapid response in safeguarding lives and property,” the National Police Service said.
Police confirmed that all the recovered animals, comprising 35 cattle and 45 sheep and goats, will be handed over to their rightful owner after the necessary procedures are completed.
Security agencies intensify anti-bandit operations
The latest recovery comes as security agencies continue to intensify operations against livestock theft and banditry in parts of the North Rift and neighbouring counties, where cattle rustling remains a major security concern.
Police said the success of the operation was made possible through close coordination among different security agencies and timely information from members of the public.
“The swift pursuit denied the suspects the opportunity to disappear into the dense forest. Following the trail, officers successfully recovered all thirty-five head of cattle and forty-five sheep and goats,” the statement added.
Authorities did not indicate whether any persons of interest had been arrested, saying efforts to pursue those behind the theft remain ongoing.
Public urged to report suspicious activities
The National Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through coordinated security operations across the country.
“The National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to protecting lives and property through coordinated operations, while encouraging members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities promptly,” NPS said.
Police urged Kenyans to report criminal activities through the nearest police station or by using the toll-free emergency numbers 999 and 911, the FichuaKwaDCI hotline 0800 722 203, or the DCI WhatsApp line 0709 570 000, saying timely information remains critical in combating banditry and other forms of crime.