This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
Kenya: Isiolo Leaders Accuse Police of Bias After Cows Seized From Locals ¶
On August 5, 2020, Isiolo leaders accused police of bias during a recent operation to recover 80 cows stolen from Kimanjo in the neighbouring Laikipia County.
At least 107 cows were confiscated from two Oldonyiro residents living on the border of the two counties. The police claimed the animals were confiscated due to the residents' proximity to the alleged suspects' home, but the leaders disputed this, saying the officers should have pursued the suspects and recovered the stolen livestock.
Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti and Isiolo North MP Hassan Odha led the leaders in condemning the police action, stating that they would not allow residents to be subjected to communal punishment for crimes committed by a few individuals whom police were reluctant to follow.
The animals were reportedly stolen by suspected bandits from Samburu East who used the Oldonyiro route to access the village in Laikipia North. Local elders had assisted in footprint tracing for the stolen animals, but the police did not involve them in the seizure of the cows.
"The police should find the criminals and not punish the community. Seizure of residents' cows because their homes are close to those of the suspects is unconstitutional and we will not allow it," said Dr Kuti.
The county government has tasked its lawyer to apply for a court injunction to release the seized cows to their owners.
Isiolo Sub-County Police Commander George Kariuki said the bandits could not have achieved their mission without being assisted by the local community, either by sharing information or hosting them.
However, Samburu East Deputy County Commissioner Pius Murugu said 13 cows had been recovered and handed over to their owners, with eight more being pursued in Ngilai hills.
