Four arrested in crackdown on cattle theft on Kisumu-Nandi border

Four people have been arrested over cattle theft on the Kisumu-Nandi border.

The arrest took place on Saturday as the police stepped up the search for 15 more suspects.

“The four were arrested during a joint operation by police from the two counties and the locals. We will take them to court today,” said Kisumu Administration Police Commander Joseph Keitany.

Police said the group of thieves was to blame for the fights that recently left at least five people dead and many others injured along the volatile border.

At least 14 people out of the 29 most wanted ring leaders have been arrested in the wake of the clashes.

One wanted cattle thief was also killed by police on Thursday.

At a meeting organised by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) at the weekend, leaders from the two counties agreed to work together in providing information that can lead to the arrest of the wanted criminals.

NCIC Chairman Francis ole Kaparo said: “The problem here is about criminals who steal cattle. We cannot conclude that the matter is about tribal clashes.

“We must ensure the thieves are sent to jail. Don’t allow them to divide you as a people.”

DEAL WITH LAND ISSUE

The NCIC boss said the land issue, said to be one of the root causes of the rift between Luos and Kalenjins, would be dealt with under existing laws.

“Thieves are thieves regardless of their tribe. They must be treated as criminals who do not have space to divide communities on the pretext of land issues,” said Mr Kaparo.

Kisumu County Commissioner John Elungata and his Nandi counterpart Kang’ethe Thuku said they would not rest until the criminals are arrested.

The security team warned residents shielding the thieves that they would also be apprehended.

“We will also charge individuals found keeping stolen cattle on their farms as we do all that is possible to avert more violence between the two communities,” said Mr Elungata.

At the peace meeting, the two communities agreed that their common enemy were the cattle thieves.

They vowed to jointly pursue the criminals without resorting to violence.

Nandi Deputy Governor Dominic Biwott said: “We are peace-loving Kenyans. We will continue doing business, intermarry and engage in inter-county development projects.”

Tinderet MP Julius Melly said: “As leaders, we must be on the forefront in showing the public that we are united.”