The ongoing security operation in Isiolo County has resulted in the recovery of 78 camels that were stolen by bandits recently and the arrest of two prime suspects.
Confirming the recovery, Isiolo County Commissioner Mr. Geoffrey Omoding said that 16 camels had already been identified by the owners while the others are yet to be identified.
Omoding added that the operation that aims at eradicating rustling in the region would continue until all the stolen animals from the area are recovered and the main culprits apprehended.
The county boss said that the government would not spare any suspect and urged for political goodwill from Isiolo and the neighbouring counties in the effort to bring the vice to an end.
He said security officers are still investigating the incident where criminals ambushed National Police Reservists as they moved some of the recovered animals to LMD area in Burat Ward near Isiolo town recently.
Omoding said that only four camels were given back to the owners while the animals are being held at the Livestock Marketing Division (LMD) disease free zone waiting for the security officers to finalize their investigation before releasing them to owners.
Omoding said that the operation ‘Rudisha mifugo, weka usalama’ would go on until criminals from Laikipia, Samburu, Turkana and Marsabit Counties who had gone into hiding in Isiolo County are flushed out.
The administrator added that criminals hiding stolen animals in the valleys with the intention of ambushing security personnel involved in their pursuit would be dealt with ruthlessly by the government’s security organs.
Meanwhile members of the Somali community welcomed the recovery of the animals and appealed to the government to provide enough funds and other resources in order to eradicate crime in the region.
By Abduba Mamo
