NAIROBI, Kenya- Police in Nyandarua County were forced to step in on Wednesday to save a businessman and his son from an angry mob after the two were linked to suspected livestock theft in Olkalou Constituency.
The pair were arrested in the Tumaini area after being found in possession of beef believed to have been sourced from stolen cattle, triggering outrage among local residents who accused them of being part of a livestock theft network.
Nyandarua Mob Turns Violent Before Police Intervention
According to police, the suspects were assaulted by members of the public before officers arrived and rescued them from further harm.
Investigations indicate that the meat was being transported to a butchery outlet in Olkalou town, raising suspicions that it originated from animals recently reported stolen in the area.
Authorities say the beef is believed to have come from three cattle stolen from a homestead in Kagunda village, where the owner had earlier lodged a formal complaint with police.
Livestock Slaughtered, Meat Transported
Police revealed that the livestock owner later discovered the animals had already been slaughtered, with the meat ferried using a pickup vehicle.
The shell of the pickup suspected to have been used in transporting the meat was impounded and towed to the police station as an exhibit, as detectives piece together the movement of the stolen cattle.
Police Warn Against Mob Justice
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to crack down on rising cases of livestock theft in Nyandarua County.
The county police commander cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, warning that mob justice only complicates investigations and puts lives at risk.
Members of the public were urged to report suspected criminal activity through proper channels and allow law enforcement to handle investigations.
The businessman and his son were initially treated at JM Kariuki Hospital before being transferred to Kwa Ng’othi Mission Hospital in Kinangop for further medical care.
