Baringo County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa has implemented stringent measures to curb rampant livestock theft in Barwessa, Baringo North, ordering a temporary closure of all butcheries in the area.
The drastic move follows a Sunday evening incident where police officers injured four youth while dispersing a crowd that was about to take action against suspected livestock thieves.
Speaking during a meeting with residents, Commissioner Kutwa emphasized the need for thorough vetting of all meat sources before business operations could resume.
“We are closing all butcheries in this area for a week to conduct thorough vetting and ensure that the meat sold is genuine and safe for consumption,” he stated.
The commissioner further revealed that security agencies would closely monitor activities in nearby livestock markets to prevent criminals from disposing of stolen animals.
He expressed concerns that the region’s persistent cattle rustling problem could be linked to a larger network of banditry and organized crime.
Kutwa urged residents to cooperate with newly deployed security officers in the area, assuring them of the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Baringo and the greater North Rift region.
The security meeting, attended by local leaders and residents, was convened in response to rising tensions after the recent police action against the four injured youth.
Residents have long decried the increasing cases of stock theft, which have significantly impacted livelihoods in the region.
The commissioner’s directive is expected to disrupt illegal livestock trade networks and restore order as authorities intensify efforts to combat cattle rustling in the county.
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