Early on October 1, a group of armed bandits attacked several manyattas in the Line P area of Loiyangalani Subcounty, Marsabit County. The raiders made off with more than 600 goats and sheep, which is a huge blow for families who depend on their animals for food, school fees and everything in between.
Police say the attack happened at around 5.30am. One man was shot dead during the raid, and his body was taken to the mortuary as investigations continue.
Within hours, police officers and National Police Reservists were already on the trail of the attackers. The chase took them toward Lonjorin, where they met Anti-Stock Theft Unit officers and more reservists from Samburu North. The going was not easy.
The bandits had cut down trees and placed them across the roads along the route toward the Lonjorin and Tum border, slowing down the security team's movement. An armoured vehicle from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit eventually got through, but it came under heavy gunfire as the raiders pushed the stolen animals toward the Tum and Parkati areas of Samburu North.
Even now, the terrain remains hard to move through. Police say officers are still working to track down the suspects and bring back the rest of the animals. The incident has also brought fresh worry to the Marsabit-Samburu border, an area that has seen livestock raids and armed clashes for many years. Herders in these parts have long complained that they live with the fear of losing everything overnight.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said the government plans to help families in affected areas rebuild their livelihoods. The plan includes subsidised farm inputs and extension services, which will be rolled out alongside tougher security measures.
The affected counties are also among those targeted by Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a government security drive meant to tame banditry in the North Rift and northern regions.
The good news came on October 13, 2026, when the National Police Service said its multi-agency team had caught up with the raiders, overpowered them and recovered the stolen livestock.
According to the service, the recovered animals were positively identified and handed back to their rightful owners. The service praised the officers for their quick response and their resilience, and said it remains committed to ending banditry in the region.
For the families who lost their animals and for the relatives of the man who was killed, the recovery may bring some relief. But many residents will be watching closely to see whether the government's promises of security and support actually reach them on the ground.
The government has also asked communities to play their part by working with security teams to end livestock theft and turn to legitimate economic activities instead.
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