Africa-Press – Kenya. Police officers in Garbatula, Isiolo County, have recovered 300 goats that were stolen from two local herders following a swift security operation.
According to the National Police Service, officers from Garbatula Police Station responded promptly after receiving a report of the theft and launched a pursuit of the suspected livestock thieves.
The officers tracked the stolen animals to the Malkandaka area, where they encountered five suspected rustlers.
The suspects fled the scene upon spotting the police, abandoning the animals and evading arrest.
The recovered goats were secured and later safely returned to their rightful owners.
Police said efforts to trace and arrest the suspects are ongoing.
The National Police Service has also intensified operations aimed at curbing livestock theft through enhanced patrols, close collaboration with local communities, and intelligence-led interventions.
The Service reiterated its commitment to restoring and maintaining lasting security in pastoral areas across the country.
In August, a multi-agency security team, supported by elders from Lochakula Sub-Location, recovered 27 goats in Lochakula Sub-Location, Masol Location, Pokot Central Sub-County, West Pokot County.
The animals had been stolen on July 26, 2025, and the incident was reported at Kainuk Police Station.
The recovered goats were transported to Kainuk ASTU Camp, where they were held pending identification and handover to their rightful owners.
In the same month, security agencies and community leaders in Isiolo County concluded a recovery operation following a series of livestock thefts and retaliatory incidents in the area.
The operation was initiated after a report was made at Isiolo Police Station earlier in the month, in which cattle rustlers stole five cows from a resident.
In a subsequent incident, herdsmen from the affected community carried out a retaliatory raid in the Lurubae area of Archers Post, stealing an unspecified number of goats and sheep.
This second incident was recorded at Archers Post Police Station.
Following the reports, officers from the National Police Service, National Government Administration Officers, and community elders from the affected areas engaged in dialogue and coordinated efforts to trace and recover the stolen livestock.
The recovered animals were formally handed over to their rightful owners during a meeting held at Ngaremara Centre.
The handover was attended by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Archers Post, the Assistant Chief of Attan Location in Ngaremara Division, community elders, and local leaders.
The joint operation resulted in the recovery of eight cows and 120 goats.
Authorities said the presence and involvement of security officers, administrators, and elders demonstrated a shared commitment to restoring trust, promoting peace, and preventing further incidents of livestock theft.
The operation underscored the importance of collaboration between the police, local administration, and communities in addressing livestock theft and fostering peaceful coexistence.
In November, police officers from Mutuati Police Station, working in collaboration with National Police Reservists, successfully recovered livestock that had been stolen.
The animals were subsequently returned to their rightful owners.
The service commended the local community for providing the crucial information that led to the successful recovery.
