How a gang stole 13 bulls valued at Sh1m in Athi River
Bulls. Courtesy photo
Police in Athi River, Machakos County have launched investigations after an armed gang stole 13 bulls valued at Sh1 million.
The gang which was armed with crude weapons is said to have raided the cattle ranch at around 3am on Monday.
Two guards were on duty in the Portland area when the group attacked them and drove off with the bulls to an unknown destination.
Police believe that the group had a truck on standby for the mission.
“There were 139 herds of cattle when a gang of more than 10 people armed with crude weapons attacked them,” a report from police read in part.
The gang seized the guards while others chased away the 13 bulls.
During the incident, one of the guards was cut on the head with a panga. Luckily, he was taken to hospital in stable condition.
During the attack, the gang also stole five(5) mobile phones from the guards and disappeared with them.
The area was thoroughly searched, but no recovery or arrests were made, police said.
The team investigating the incident said the attack was unique as it happened in the city.
Some herders prefer to take care of their animals near the Athi River abattoir before selling them.
The herders have resorted to renting fields and yards in the area for this purpose.
Police say the raid needs attention and suspect that the stolen animals were taken to other abattoirs in the city.
Cattle rustling is common in other parts of the country, particularly in the Kerio Valley, where it has had a negative impact on livelihoods.
The government has introduced measures to combat the menace.
