- There was drama in Shinyalu after police officers arrested two men linked to the theft of four cows in Kisangula village
- One of the suspects, a widely known butchery operator from Chamakanga, was with his accomplice, with whom they were trying to sell stolen livestock
- One suspect remains on the run as officers intensify the manhunt, with locals praising the police for their swift response
Vihiga – Two men have been arrested in Shinyalu on suspicion of being part of a notorious cattle theft ring, following a swift, coordinated police operation that has drawn praise from area residents.
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The suspects, identified as Boniface Kivisi, widely known by his alias “Guga”, and Henry Ajega, a butcher from Chamakanga, were apprehended in Shinyalu, where they had allegedly travelled to sell stolen livestock.
According to journalist Herman G. Kamariki, their arrest followed a joint effort by officers from Mudete and Shinyalu, acting on intelligence reports.
A third suspect, Cedrick Adagala from Itegero, managed to escape during the operation and is currently being pursued by authorities.
Police say the trio is linked to the theft of four cows from Kisangula Village in North Maragoli Ward.
The animals were reportedly taken from the homesteads of two residents, Mzee Samuel Sogoni and Nathan Eboso, in what locals describe as a growing pattern of livestock theft in the area.
Mudete OCS Justus Motanya confirmed the arrests, noting that the suspects were intercepted while in possession of the stolen cattle within Shinyalu.
The recovery of the animals has brought some relief to the affected families, for whom livestock represents both livelihood and heritage.
In a development that has sparked further public interest, Kivisi was denied bail due to a pending case and a previous failure to comply with bond terms.
His co-accused, Ajega, was granted a bond set at KSh 100,000 or an alternative cash bail of KSh 70,000, which he has yet to raise.
Residents have alleged that the suspects may be connected to a series of similar incidents in the region, claims that police say are under investigation.
The arrests have been widely welcomed by the community, with many praising the decisive action of law enforcement officers, particularly the Mudete OCS and Corporal Yator, for their role in restoring a sense of security.
As the search for the remaining suspect continues, villagers hope the crackdown signals a turning point in the fight against cattle theft, which has long disrupted livelihoods and unsettled rural communities across the region.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
