Tension ran high at the Rumuruti Police Station after elders from various villages in Rumuruti Ward staged a protest, demanding the return of their stolen cows.
The confrontation came after a group of over 200 young men returned empty-handed from Wiyumiririe Police Post, without the stolen livestock or the suspects involved in the theft.
According to local elders, the ordeal began on 8th July when seven cows were stolen from the community while grazing at ADC Mutara. The affected community have since been pursuing justice, including trekking long distances between Rumuruti and the Laikipia–Nyandarua border—where the suspects reside and allegedly slaughtered the cows to sell the meat.
The elders claim that after finally apprehending the suspects on 16th July, 2025, the individuals were inexplicably released under unclear circumstances. The community has accused a police officer of colluding with the suspects to tamper with evidence and demanded that the officer be arrested and compelled to produce both the suspects and the stolen livestock.
Elders further urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene and offer clear direction on the matter, citing a loss of confidence in the local handling of the case.
In response, Rumuruti Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Amos Mutie and Rumuruti Assistant County Commissioner Florence Muriuki assured residents that investigations are ongoing and justice will be served. They also committed to taking disciplinary action against any officer found to have colluded with the suspects.
“We urge residents not to take the law into their own hands. Let the legal process take its course,” said Muriuki.
The elders have also called for the enforcement of a traditional punitive law—the 1:3 rule—whereby a person who steals a cow must return three cows as compensation and punishment.
