Security teams recovered 3,000 sheep and goats in Loiyangalani Sub-County, Marsabit, on Tuesday. Suspected armed bandits had ambushed herders moving their livestock from Mouwokiteng towards Lardapach, the National Police Service (NPS) said. The attackers seized the animals and drove them towards Arapal.
A multi-agency team pursued the attackers. According to the NPS, the officers intercepted the suspects and recovered all 3,000 animals, The Eastleigh Voice reported. Business Today Kenya said at least 3,000 animals were recovered.
A separate operation on Monday recovered another 75 sheep and goats. Bandits had stolen them in a raid in Archers, Samburu East. Officers based in Shaba, Isiolo, received intelligence that the bandits were driving the animals towards Manyatta Zebra in Isiolo County.
The team tracked the suspects to the Oltungai Plateau. An exchange of gunfire there forced the attackers to flee and abandon the animals, the NPS said. The owners positively identified the livestock, which was then returned to them.
Both operations were part of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a multi-agency security drive against banditry and livestock theft in the region. In a post on X, the NPS praised its security partners and the local community for their "seamless collaboration". The sources did not report any arrests or injuries.
The police service urged residents to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through its emergency hotlines.