A Resident of Konza in Kalama, Machakos County shows remains of slaughtered livestock. Photo by Virginia Siebella. 
By Virginia Siebella
Residents of Konza in Kalama, Machakos County are living in fear following a wave of violent livestock thefts that have left families counting massive losses and enduring sleepless nights.
On Monday night, more than fifty animals were stolen in a series of brazen raids by armed criminals who stormed multiple homesteads. The attackers, believed to be part of a well-organized and heavily armed syndicate, broke into compounds and made away with livestock under the cover of darkness.
According to Jay Maleto, a caretaker at one of the affected homes, the assailants cut through a perimeter fence, forced their way into the compound, locked him inside the house, and stole several goats. What followed was a disturbing twist—Maleto claims the attackers began by slaughtering young goats, extracting intestines, and mixing them with blood before drinking the concoction. Locals believe this chilling ritual is meant to mask their identities and frustrate any tracking efforts.
Leonard Chege, the owner of the homestead, is now left collecting the scattered remains of his slaughtered animals—some of which were devoured by vultures. He says all seventy of his livestock were taken, but a multi-agency operation involving Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers, police, and local residents led to the recovery of sixty-three.
Community chairman Thomas Mutuku revealed that in just the past two months, residents have lost at least two thousand animals. He noted that in the past week alone, sixty cows were stolen, describing the trend as a “nightmare” that has robbed families of peace and security.
Two residents, who spoke off-camera, reported losing fifty-two and forty animals respectively in the past few days.
Police have since intercepted two vehicles—a Toyota Probox and a Nissan—believed to be used by the syndicate. The vehicles are being held at Konza Police Post, with one suspect already in custody.
In a statement, police sources confirmed that in June, twenty-two animals were stolen in Mikuyu, Kalama. All were recovered, and the suspect is currently facing court proceedings. However, in a separate incident that same month, thirty-four goats were stolen and remain missing. Four mobile phones recovered from another suspect are now under forensic investigation.
Residents are now appealing to the government to urgently reinstate anti-stock theft police units in the area to stem the escalating crime.
Police have vowed a sustained crackdown on the gang, promising that no effort will be spared in dismantling the armed syndicate terrorizing Konza.
