Bandits raid Kathangani village in Tharaka, steal livestock

Tension is high in Kathangani, Tharaka-North sub-county after armed bandits raided the village and stole unknown number of cattle.

Tharaka-North police boss Joseph Kavoo said the bandits vanished into the neighbouring Meru National Park with the stolen animals.

He disputed earlier reports by Kathangacini Assistant Chief Kibuti Ndango that the bandits also abducted the village elder and his child. He said he was yet to get a detailed update from police pursuing the suspects.

SHOOT

Mr Ndango said the attackers shot in the air to scare the residents before going away with the cattle.

Lucas Mutegi, a resident said the gang of six threatened to shoot locals who showed signs of resistance.

He said cases of banditry had reduced after Somali herders who were grazing their animals in the park left with the onset of rains.

“We were caught unaware because we thought during the rainy season livestock theft would reduce,” said Mr Mutegi.

Cases of banditry in the northern part of Tharaka have become rampant in the recent past and residents are blaming government of taking no serious action to end it.

"We have lost many animals which are driven into the park and our people shot by the attackers but our leaders have remained silent,” said Mary Gatuura, a resident said.