Livestock gang raids home of former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma

According to witness accounts, the raiders were unusually quiet thus making it difficult to determine their exact number. 

It was only after the workers raised the alarm that neighbours responded to their distress calls.

Police officers from Chemelil Police Post rushed to the scene and joined Mr Ranguma’s workers in pursuing the stolen animals.

At the time of the attack, Mr Ranguma — who now serves as Chairman of the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (Sasra) — was in Nairobi. He was informed of the theft after the culprits had already fled with the livestock.

Muhoroni Sub-County Police Commander Fredrick Ombaka said the delay in reporting the incident may have slowed down police response.

“The report was filed late which may have delayed our initial tracking efforts. However, we are optimistic about recovering all the stolen animals. So far, we have traced footprints leading towards Potopoto area of Tinderet Sub-County, Nandi County, and we have already recovered one sheep,” said Mr Ombaka.

He also appealed to members of the public to avoid spreading speculative information that could inflame tensions on the Kisumu–Nandi border, urging residents to allow the Anti-Stock Theft Unit to conduct investigations without interference.

“Those aiding and abetting stock theft, whether in Kisumu or Nandi, must desist immediately or face arrest and prosecution,” he added. 

The volatile Kisumu–Nandi and Kisumu–Kericho border regions have long been hotspots for livestock theft. In past cases, suspects have been arrested and in some tragic instances, even killed during confrontations.

Investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to recover the remaining livestock.

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