Matatu driver among four people arrested while ferrying stollen animals in Naivasha
Sheep that was stolen at Mirera, Naivasha on January 18,2026
Police in Naivasha have arrested four people suspected of involvement in livestock theft.
The four among them a matatu driver were apprehended on Tuesday at Mirera area, Naivasha by officers from the Anti-Livestock Theft Unit (ASTU).
The suspects were intercepted while transporting ten sheep and a calf in a public service vehicle after police acted on a tip-off from members of the public. The animals are believed to have been stolen.
The matatu that was being used to transport the stolen livestock from Mirera Naivasha
Residents in the area say cases of livestock theft have been on the rise, despite repeated reports to authorities. They note that the crime has had a significant impact on their livelihoods, leaving many families economically strained.
In an interview one of the individuals who lost his livestock, Stephen Nyota notes that on January 13, thieves entered his compound, cut a chain link fence he had used to secure his livestock and made way with two sheep. Adding that he conducted a thorough search in the neighbourhood but he has never found them.
“I reported the matter at Mountain View police station and till today my sheep are still missing. With that period, I was not the only victim, my neighbour lost 100 broiler chickens too,” Nyota says, mentioning the arrest of four is a journey towards restoring peace and security for Mirera residents.
Stephen Nyota notes that on January 13, thieves entered his compound and stole two sheep which he has since been looking for. He now wants the Anti-Livestock Theft Unit (ASTU) to help them get their livestock back
On the other hand, Timothy Githogori notes that he lost 14 sheep in December 2025 while 20 more had been stolen before that.
Githogori says he has reason to believe the livestock theft is being facilitated by someone from their community in collaboration with those arrested by police. He adds that the quick response by the Anti-Livestock Theft Unit made it possible to have these culprits arrested and may help them know who has been orchestrating this theft.
“As community members we have lost so much it is high time the government do more to help us. Farming in our livelihood and we can’t keep losing to thieves,” he notes.
Timothy Githogori, a resident of Mirera ,Naivasha who has lost 34 livestock to thieves, asks the government to do more to protect farmers
Another resident now wants Narok Line Sacco to step in and provide details on the car owners as the car facilitated the transporting of the stolen livestock.
Naivasha Sub County Police commander Willison Sigei notes that a lot of livestock theft reports had come in. The were six suspects and only four were arrested.
“Police are still looking for the other two. Meanwhile the four will be arraigned in court on charges of livestock theft,” Sigei notes.
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