Newly recruited National Police Reservists take oath during their pass-out ceremony at Ndumuru Primary School grounds in Igembe North, Meru County, on December 15, 2023.
Photo credit:
Charles Wanyoro | Nation Media Group
I sometimes wonder whether cattle are economic assets, pets or friends.
Cattle rustling used to be unknown mainly for fear of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit.
Hearing tell, Meru has more cattle rustling these days than West Pokot. Every time I go to check on my beans, I listen in horror as folks recount how so and so had lost his herd, or so and so’s dairy stock is gone. The ones stealing prized dairy cows invariably come in a Toyota Probox, the ones going after beef cattle are a gang of six with a lorry and firearms. They hit, open fire and the villagers, who are otherwise brave and armed with pangas and bows, abandon the animals and flee.
I sometimes wonder whether cattle are economic assets, pets or friends. Most homesteads will have a couple of dairy cows which have been in the family for years and are the offspring of other beloved cows. They will have names like Mukiri ( the Peaceful/Calm One), Kairu (Blackie), Mutune (Brownie) or even Daisy; they will be thoroughly domesticated, attuned to the routine of the family.
