Cow bought for Christmas feast stolen in Kirinyaga, leaving 200 villagers without meat

According to Keigwa Ugaciku ‘B’ Group treasurer, James Muriithi Ndambiri, the group purchased the cow on Monday at Gathoge Village for Ksh. 50,000. It was then taken to the homestead of group elder Stephen Karani, considered the most respected member of the team. However, the cow was stolen that same night.

“It is unfortunate that the cow was stolen and slaughtered just 200 metres from his house, inside his coffee plantation. These are daring thieves,” Ndambiri said.

Veteran member Mzee Ernest Kiathane explained that the group contributes Ksh. 150 per month, beginning in January, to buy a cow at the end of the year for Christmas festivities.

“It is sad because the owner allowed us to take the cow even though we had only paid Ksh. 43,000. We still owe him Ksh. 7,000, and we must settle the balance despite the theft,” he said.

Group members James Njagi and Charles Bundi expressed concern over what they termed a spike in livestock theft in Njuki-ini Ward.

“Cases of livestock theft have increased sharply. Thieves are stealing cows and slaughtering them near our homes. Now they have taken our Christmas cow and slaughtered it 200 metres from Mzee Karani’s homestead. Authorities must investigate these incidents,” Njagi said.

A similar incident was reported on 20 December 2023, when a self-help group in Ngiriambu, also in Njuki-ini Ward, lost a cow to thieves. The cow, purchased through monthly contributions of KSh 200, was stolen and slaughtered along the Kiamutugu–Kiamutugu road. Governor Anne Waiguru later intervened and bought a replacement cow for the group.

“We are appealing to our Governor, Anne Waiguru—who is our daughter—to intervene once again and help Keigwa Group so that our children can enjoy Christmas,” Mzee Kiathane added.

Police in Kirinyaga East Sub-County say they have intensified efforts to track down the suspects as investigations continue.