Bandits rape woman, steal her livestock

Bandits raped a 24-year-old pregnant woman before stealing her livestock in Laikipia West.

Residents said the gang, which was armed with AK-47 rifles, raped the woman in turns  before driving away her three cows and seven goats.

“We believe the criminals are heading towards Samburu County,” said Mr Benson Kaamara.

“We have been pursuing them and we have already found a goat slaughtered at Ngaremare which is at the border of the Laikipia and Samburu counties.”

The incident happened on Friday night.

Neighbours took the victim to Ol Moran Health Centre, where she was treated and discharged.

No arrests

By yesterday, no arrests had been made but Laikipia County police boss Angelus Karuru said security officers were pursuing the criminals towards Samburu County.

Meanwhile, Igembe North MP Joseph M’Eruaki has urged the government to treat cattle rustlers like bank robbers or others who steal and kill.

The MP, who was speaking in his constituency, said that it was annoying for such criminals to be treated “as if they are special or what they are doing is good.”

Mr M’Eruaki warned cattle thieves that they would be arrested if they did not return livestock stolen from Igembe North. “I wonder why these people are never treated like armed robbers are,” he said. “A robber will steal and kill and the rustler will do the same.”