Kirinyaga residents raise alarm over rising cases of livestock theft

On Monday, seven cows were stolen from Mukithi Village in Kirinyaga Central. Three of the animals were later found slaughtered in Mung’ang’a Village in Mwea, while the remaining four were recovered and taken to Kangai Police Station.

In the latest incident on Friday night, three cows belonging to Paul Ndirangu were stolen from Gituto Village in Thiba Ward, Mwea, and slaughtered near Mwea Mission Hospital in Karira.

The rising incidents have left livestock farmers in the county fearful and concerned about their security.

“Yesterday and Monday have left us in shock. Eliud Chomba Ngariuku from Mukithi Village in Kirinyaga Central and Paul Ndirangu from Gituto Village in Mwea each lost three cows. We are left wondering who these people are colluding with locally,” said John Munene.

Residents are also calling on authorities to investigate reports of donkey theft and slaughter in the area.

“We might be eating donkey meat in local butcheries. Let the butchers and some local youths be investigated,” said Sicily Wangari.

As anxiety grows, residents are urging authorities to intensify investigations and question suspects in a bid to uncover those behind the thefts.