Police Return Seven Dairy Cows After Nandi Residents Protest Alleged Illegal Auction Raids

Police in Nandi County have returned seven high-breed Friesian dairy cows to their owners following public protests over what residents described as illegal livestock seizures carried out by an auctioneering firm accompanied by armed police officers.

The cows are part of 15 animals taken from three farmers over the weekend after an auctioneer, escorted by officers from Mosoriot Police Station, confiscated livestock and household electronics in Saniak village, Chesumei Sub-County.

The seizures triggered peaceful demonstrations, with residents marching to Mosoriot Police Station and accusing some officers of colluding with auctioneers to unlawfully take animals from guarantors instead of the principal debtor.

Confirming the return of the animals, Chesumei Sub-County Police Commander Silas Kiogoro said all livestock taken from guarantors would be released, noting that the main debtor was available and had already surrendered his own animals.

“The person who took the loan should bear the burden alone. The guarantors’ cows must be returned. We are following up to ensure that all the animals are back with their rightful owners,” Kiogoro said.

Farmers recount dawn raids

One of the affected residents, Abraham Keter, recounted a terrifying early-morning raid at his home.

He said that at around 5am on Saturday, more than eight armed police officers stormed his compound, seized six dairy cows, and loaded them onto a lorry.

“I went outside to ask what the problem was, but a police officer hit me with a gun. I fell down, they beat me and pinned me to the ground as they drove away with my cows in the presence of more than twenty people,” Keter said.

He further alleged that the officers threatened him even as neighbours responded to his screams.

“One of them told me he would shoot me and humiliate me in front of villagers, my mother and my children,” he added.

Keter’s wife, Yvonne Jepkemoi, denied claims that she stood as a guarantor for a loan allegedly taken by her sister.

“I was scheduled for surgery on the fourth, and on the fifth I had just come from theatre. I don’t even understand how they are saying I guaranteed a loan,” she said.

More families affected

Keter’s neighbour, Didmus Kiprotich, said officers also raided his home on Friday, taking two dairy cows and two calves, which he estimates are worth Sh400,000.

“I never signed any court order. I want justice. If the debtor had escaped, it would be understandable, but why come for me, my neighbour and others? This is theft,” Kiprotich said.

He further claimed that efforts to report the matter at the police station were dismissed.

“We explained what had happened, but we were told that even if we reported it, nothing would change. That response discouraged us,” he said.

Protests raise questions over legality

On Monday, residents intensified protests at Mosoriot Police Station, demanding accountability and action against officers accused of conducting unlawful raids under the guise of enforcing auctioneers’ instructions.

“He has no loan, he has not guaranteed anyone, yet his cows were taken. This clearly shows theft, and it is being protected by the police,” said Nathaniel Choge, a resident.

Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui from the Centre Against Torture questioned the conduct of the officers and the apparent lack of due process.

“If an auctioneer gives you an order that is not genuine and you execute it, then you become a thief as an officer of the law. Verification must be done before execution, not after,” Kirui said.

By the time of publication, police had not produced any court order authorising the seizures, saying they were still verifying its authenticity days after the operation—raising further questions about the legality of the raids and the use of force during their execution.