After the Kajiado government banned the transport of livestock in trucks at night in July 2021, rustlers designed a method of transporting stolen sheep in small cars.
Before the ban by the then Livestock executive Jackline Koin, farmers had lost 1,000 animals in six months.
The hardest hit areas were Mashuuru, Isinya, Inkiito and Kitengela.
Koin clarified the order after public outcry that it was harsh and could harm the business community.
Speaking to the Star on the phone, Koin said the movement of livestock to other areas would only be effected after verification.
“The verification by the local community livestock sale yard committees and area chief will ensure that the livestock being moved have originated from a known source,” she said.
In 2022, farmers in Isinya subcounty alone lost 388 goats and 77 cows with an estimated value of Sh17 million, according to records in police stations.
Last Tuesday morning, a small car carrying nine live sheep from Isinya was intercepted after a long chase with DCI officers.
This has revealed how rustlers have been going through police roadblocks undetected.
During a burial ceremony in Isinya on Tuesday evening, the area MCA, Joshua Olowuasa, claimed that farmers in Ilasit, Olekuule and Empuyiankat are losing 100 sheep every month.
“It is now clear the rustlers are using small cars to steal our animals and pass through the police roadblocks at night without being detected,” he said.
The politician asked the police to be more vigilant in the roadblocks and to check all the cars at night.
He also asked the Isinya OCS not to release the vehicle that was detained by the DCI officers on Tuesday morning until the suspects are brought to book.
The Kaputiei North MCA also asked the area police subcounty commander, Patrick Manyasi, to ensure that all vehicles, including motorbikes, are checked on roadblocks.
He said motorbikes are used to carry slaughtered goats and sheep to provide easy passage on police roadblocks.
It also emerged on Tuesday that the rustlers used tinted cars to hide what they were carrying when they approached police roadblocks.
The MCA claimed insecurity has hit the Jamii Bora Estate, where a watchman was killed at Kaputiei Secondary School one week ago.
A resident of Ilasit, near Isinya town, claimed the rustlers strike every night and carry away the sheep from homes without a trace.
He claimed that those working with the rustlers are known people and their names have been forwarded to Isinya deputy county commissioner Justus Musau.
Musau confirmed that he has been given a list of alleged suspects and has forwarded it to the police for further investigations.
