This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On August 13, 2019, a significant livestock theft case unfolded in Jerusalem village, Soy Sub-county, Uasin Gishu County. Elisha Kibungei, a 28-year-old man, was found guilty of stealing a ram valued at Sh6,000 and sentenced to seven years in prison.
According to the court proceedings, Kibungei had stolen the ram from his neighbor, Ernest Kipkurui, who had lent it to him for mating purposes. However, when Kipkurui woke up the following morning, he found the ram missing from his pen.
Police launched a search and found Kibungei with the ram at Kuinet Market three days after the theft. The court heard that Kibungei intended to sell the ram, which further implicated him in the crime.
Principal Magistrate Sylvia Wewa noted that there had been an increase in cases of livestock theft in the area and that Kibungei's actions could not be pardoned, despite being a first-time offender.
As reported by The Standard on August 20, 2019, Kibungei was given 14 days to appeal the court ruling before being taken to jail.
