Residents of Kaptagat in Elgeyo Marakwet were in for a rude shock after discovering the remains of a slaughtered cow at Kaptagat Police Station on Tuesday morning.
A handful of residents had gone to the police station to report concerns about their animals that had gone missing the previous night.
However, to their surprise, the locals found internal organs, hide, and skin of an animal, which they suspected to be one of the missing cows. Upon thorough inspection, the residents positively identified the hide and skin as belonging to their animal.
Earlier, residents had raised alarm over three cows that had gone missing, prompting the affected farmers to seek police assistance.
Following the revelation, hundreds of residents stormed the said station demanding justice.
The irate crowd complained that their animals had been disappearing mysteriously, with efforts to arrest the culprits ending in vain.
According to eyewitnesses, the carcass was spotted lying near the home of the Officer Commanding Kaptagat Police Station (OCS), which is within the station premises.
“We trust the police to safeguard our property, not to steal from us. If the police can do this, where else can we turn for justice?” one irate resident lamented.
Residents have been complaining of rampant cattle theft in recent times, which has become a menace in the area.
Locals suspect that police in the area have been involved in slaughtering people’s animals at night inside the police station before selling the meat to local eateries.
This incident has raised significant concerns among local communities and authorities due to its implications for livestock security and community safety.
Uasin Gishu County is known for its agricultural activities, particularly cattle rearing, which is a vital economic activity.
The discovery has sparked outrage among local residents, who rely on their livestock for sustenance and income.
The situation surrounding the slaughtered cows at Kaptagat Police Station highlights the ongoing challenges related to livestock security. It underscores the need for effective law enforcement strategies and community cooperation to prevent future incidents that threaten both livelihoods and social harmony.
