Heavy security has been deployed in Loosuk, Samburu County, as investigations begin following the attack on the Director-General of Public Debt Management at the Treasury, Dr Haron Sirima's home.
According to reports, a notorious gang attacked the homestead of Sirima, who previously worked as the Deputy Governor for the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
The gang members, who are believed to be cattle rustlers, are accused of storming the homestead on Thursday morning, cutting the electric fence, and making away with an unknown number of cattle.
The attackers are said to have stormed into the homestead, armed with guns, and started shooting in the air before they finally got away with the cattle.
"It is very unfortunate that the issue of cattle rustling has reduced in the region, but what happened this morning has shocked us. The gang attacked the homestead, cut the fence, and got away with the cattle," Edca Leparasoi, Nyumba Kumi leader, revealed.
According to the residents, this is not the first time the former CBK deputy governor has had his cattle stolen and electricity disconnected.
''This is the second time his 800-acre land has been attacked and the electric fence cut. Previously, they went away with 80 cattle, and despite efforts by the government to secure this area, the issue continues to increase," Christopher Lekailepi, a member of the council of elders, revealed.
The residents have sounded an alarm over the return of cattle rustlers, whose presence is spreading fear and paralysing their participation in the ongoing planting season.
"We want to start planting, but we are worried; despite having everything needed, we still can't plant because our livestock are being stolen, and when you try to plant, you are shot," a resident alleged.
The residents are now requesting that the deployed security forces patrolling enter the tunnels and hideouts of these rustlers to drive them out.
Cattle rustling remains a persistent threat in Samburu County, with recent attacks leaving people dead and others nursing injuries.
To combat the issue, the government deployed multi-agency security teams, including the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and National Police Reservists (NPRs).
