Police recover 445 stolen livestock after fierce gun battle in Turkana

A multi-agency security team in Turkana County has recovered 445 stolen goats and sheep following a gun battle with suspected bandits, the National Police Service reported. The livestock was taken from Kaloriwo Village, with 365 animals recovered initially before a continued pursuit resulted in the capture of another 80. The police stated that the operation forced the bandits to flee, abandoning some of the animals.

"The team pursued the perpetrators, engaging them in an exchange of gunfire before overpowering them and recovering 365 sheep and goats," the police said. The remaining bandits escaped with some of the livestock, prompting the police to continue the pursuit. One group escorted the recovered livestock to safer grounds, while another backup team continued the chase, leading to the recovery of the remaining 80 animals.

The police did not specify the total number of animals stolen or how many remained missing. The recovered livestock were returned to their rightful owners, while the additional 80 animals awaited identification before being handed over. The multi-agency team continued their pursuit of the remaining stolen livestock and the identification of those responsible.

The police did not report any arrests or injuries in the statement. The operation follows ongoing security concerns regarding livestock theft in northern Kenya, where the return of stolen animals remains a significant concern. Authorities said the pursuit was ongoing, aiming to recover the remaining livestock and locate those responsible for the theft.