Over 100 households in Konza decry an upsurge in livestock theft

Residents of Kalama in Konza, Machakos county are living in fear following theft of more than 2,000 livestock in the past two months.

They said the thieves, who are armed with firearms, are well oriented with the area and operate in a well-coordinated manner.

Chairman Thomas Mutuku said they have suffered losses after their homes were raided in the middle of the night and cows, goats and sheep stolen.

He said they tried to go after the thieves in vain.

Mutuku said they have reported the matter at the Konza police station, who in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, have launched investigations.

Jay Matelo, a caretaker and security guard in one of the targeted homes, said he was ambushed by two armed thieves in the middle of the night who locked him inside the house. And after cutting through the fence, they stole goats and slaughtered the young ones.

Matelo said the thieves extracted intestines of the slaughtered goats, mixed them with blood and drank the mixture before fleeing.

The locals believe the move is a ritual to render the thieves untouchable.

Leonard Chege said he has been forced to sleep outside after some of his livestock were stolen and some slaughtered.

“It seems they are offering sacrifices by slaughtering the young goats, drinking their blood and eating the intestines. They believe this will make them invisible and confuse assailants," he said.

Chege said after a joint operation between the KWS, police and community members some cattle were recovered.

The Police have so far arrested one suspect and the four mobile phones recovered are undergoing forensic analysis.

The officers also intercepted two vehicles – a probox and a Nissan – that the suspects use to commit the crimes.

Police and other security forces have assured the residents of swift investigations and an end to the crime.