A multi-agency security team has recovered 10 head of cattle stolen from Buriene Hills in Isiolo County after suspected bandits allegedly drove the animals away, with police crediting cooperation between security officers and local community leaders for the recovery.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the cattle were stolen by six suspected bandits, prompting security officers to pursue leads that led them to Chemichemi, where large herds of livestock were grazing near the Waso River.
According to the police, the team engaged community elders, herders and their leaders upon reaching the area. The local representatives pledged to cooperate with security agencies to facilitate the recovery of the stolen animals.
The security team returned to Chemichemi on Saturday, October 24, for a follow-up meeting with the herders and their leadership, culminating in the surrender of all 10 cattle.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, the police said the recovery demonstrated the importance of community participation in addressing livestock theft and banditry.
The service did not identify the six suspected bandits or disclose whether any arrests had been made in connection with the theft. It also did not specify when the cattle were stolen or provide further details about the circumstances of the incident.
Following the recovery, the NPS said security patrols and engagement with local leadership would be intensified to deter further livestock theft, pursue those responsible and prevent similar incidents.
The planned measures are also intended to support peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities, particularly in areas where livestock theft threatens livelihoods and can contribute to insecurity.
The recovery comes amid continued government efforts to address banditry and livestock theft across northern and eastern Kenya, where security operations have targeted armed criminals and sought to recover stolen animals.
On October 7, 2026, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told a parliamentary committee that security agencies had recovered 3,221 livestock out of 4,306 reported stolen in affected areas between June and September 2026.
Murkomen said the government had strengthened security operations through the deployment of specialised units, the establishment of security camps and the recruitment and training of National Police Reservists.
He also cited illegal firearms, retaliatory attacks, competition over water and pasture, and markets for stolen livestock among the factors contributing to persistent insecurity.
The latest recovery in Isiolo relied on engagement with community elders and herders rather than a reported armed confrontation, highlighting the role of local cooperation in efforts to trace and recover stolen livestock.
The NPS said it would continue working with local leadership and maintaining security patrols to prevent further theft and pursue those responsible.
