Police Return Seized Dairy Cows After Protests in Nandi County

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

The cows are part of at least 15 animals seized from three farming families in Saniak village, Chesumei Sub-County, during coordinated operations conducted over the weekend. According to residents, the auctioneer—escorted by officers from Mosoriot Police Station—also confiscated household electronics during the raids, raising further concerns about the scope and legality of the exercise.

Protests force police response

The seizures triggered widespread anger in the village, culminating in peaceful demonstrations on Monday as residents marched to Mosoriot Police Station demanding the immediate release of the animals and accountability from the officers involved. Protesters accused some police officers of colluding with auctioneers to unlawfully seize livestock from guarantors rather than pursuing the principal debtor named in the loan agreement.

Chesumei Sub-County Police Commander Silas Kiogoro confirmed that seven cows had already been returned and assured residents that all animals taken from guarantors would be released.

“The person who took the loan should bear the burden alone. The guarantors’ cows must be returned,” Kiogoro said. “The principal debtor is available and has already surrendered his own animals. We are following up to ensure that all livestock taken from other people is returned to their rightful owners.”

Kiogoro added that internal consultations were ongoing to establish whether proper procedures were followed during the execution of the auctioneer’s instructions.

Farmers recount violent dawn raids

Affected farmers have recounted harrowing experiences, describing early-morning raids marked by intimidation, excessive force and a lack of explanation from officers.

One of the victims, Abraham Keter, said his home was raided at around 5am on Saturday by more than eight armed police officers.

“They stormed my compound without warning, seized six high-breed dairy cows and loaded them onto a lorry,” Keter said. “When I went outside to ask what the problem was, one 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 villagers.”

Keter alleged that the officers continued to threaten him even as neighbours rushed to his home after hearing his screams.

“One of them told me he would shoot me and humiliate me in front of villagers, my mother and my children,” he said, adding that the incident has left his family traumatised.

His wife, Yvonne Jepkemoi, dismissed claims that she had guaranteed a loan allegedly taken by her sister, saying she was physically unwell at the time the alleged guarantee was signed.

“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,” Jepkemoi said, insisting that no documents were ever presented to her.

More families affected

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

“I never signed any court order or loan document,” Kiprotich said. “If the debtor had escaped, it would be understandable, but he is around. Why come for me, my neighbour and others? This is outright theft.”

Kiprotich further claimed that attempts to report the incident at Mosoriot Police Station were dismissed by officers on duty.

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

Questions over due process

As word of the raids spread, more residents came forward claiming similar experiences, prompting community leaders to join calls for investigations into the conduct of the police and the auctioneering firm involved.

During Monday’s demonstrations, residents accused officers of abusing their authority and shielding illegal actions.

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

Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui from the Centre Against Torture questioned the legality of the operation and the apparent lack of verification before the seizures were carried out.

“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,” Kirui said while addressing the media outside Mosoriot Police Station. “Verification must be done before execution, not after. You cannot use force on citizens without a valid court order.”

No court order produced

By the time of publication, police had not produced any court order authorising the seizures, saying they were still verifying its authenticity several days after the operation. This admission has raised further concerns about the legality of the raids and the use of force, including allegations of assault and threats against civilians.

Residents are now calling for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the conduct of the officers involved, while farmers say they fear future raids unless clear action is taken.

As police continue to return the remaining livestock, tension remains high in Saniak village, with residents demanding justice, compensation for injuries and losses, and assurances that similar incidents will not recur.