Police in Mbita, Homa County are investigating an incident where unknown people raided homes, killing 31 cattle and injuring 28 others on Tuesday morning.
The suspects raided five villages and attacked animals belonging to 12 farmers.
The affected farmers hail from Kitare, Kamolo, Kamsama, Waondo and Oseno villages.
The farmers said they woke up on Tuesday morning and found some of their cows dead. Others had serious injuries on different parts of their bodies. The bellies of most animals were bleeding profusely.
Police believe the criminals used machetes, among other sharp, crude objects, to kill the livestock.
Mr George Nyariga, a farmer from Kamolo village, said the incident was a huge setback economically for the affected residents. He lost one cow while another was injured.
Kanyanja Sub-Location Assistant Chief Moses Sirawa said the motive of the assailants could not been immediately established.
“Nobody knows the attackers and why they committed this heinous act,” Mr Sirawa said.
What surprised residents was that the criminals did not steal any livestock or property from the affected homes.
Following the incident, security officers on Wednesday convened a public baraza to quell tension in the villages and to address the issue.
Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan said that the incident was being investigated and police were pursuing suspects.
“We are following crucial leads into the case. We will make sure the suspects are apprehended," he said.
The administrator called for alternative dispute resolution, saying there could be people who may have been aggrieved by the affected farmers.
