Police recover 70 heads of stolen cattle in Isiolo
Police officers in Isiolo have recovered 70 heads of stolen cattle following a security operation under the ongoing Operation Dumisha Amani.
In a statement on Monday, February 23, 2026, the Kenya Police Service revealed that officers from Isiolo Sub-County engaged suspected cattle rustlers in a fierce gun battle at Lowangishu Hills during the operation.
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The confrontation resulted in the successful recovery of the livestock.
Additionally, the police revealed that the cattle had been violently stolen from herders in Matambithi area of Meru.
The raid had left local herders counting losses before security teams launched a swift response to track down the suspects.
Police confirmed that all 70 recovered cattle are now safe and have been secured as identification processes begin.
“All recovered cattle are now safe and awaiting identification before being handed back to their rightful owners.”
Tigania recovery
This comes a few months after police officers in Tigania East Sub-County, Meru County, have recovered 204 head of cattle that were stolen during a night raid in the area.
In a statement on Monday, December 29, 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) stated that the recovery was made following a swift response and a coordinated pursuit by officers after the theft was reported.
The security team tracked the stolen livestock to the Madoadoa area along the Isiolo–Gambela Road.
“The security team tracked the stolen animals to the Madoadoa area, along the Isiolo-Gambela Road, where they encountered and overwhelmed the cattle rustlers after a fierce exchange of fire,” read the statement in part.
All 204 cattle were safely recovered and returned to their rightful owners, bringing relief to the affected residents whose livelihoods depend heavily on livestock.
The National Police Service has reiterated that it continues to intensify operations against livestock theft through coordinated patrols, multi-agency collaboration, and strong partnerships with local communities, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding livelihoods and enhancing security in pastoral regions.
Members of the public were urged to continue cooperating with the police by reporting suspicious activities through the toll-free emergency numbers 999, 911, or 112, or anonymously via the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
