Security teams in Turkana have recovered dozens of livestock that were stolen during a violent daylight raid on traders near Sarmach Junction.

According to a statement from the National Police Service, the attack occurred on July 25 at a busy livestock market near the Turkwel River Bridge in Kainuk.

A group of unidentified attackers, armed with stones and crude weapons, stormed the market and dispersed traders in a chaotic assault.

"The assailants used stones and other crude weapons to violently disperse traders, forcing them to flee for their safety," the police statement said.

Following the attack, a multi-agency patrol unit drawn from several security teams was deployed to the scene. The officers tracked the movement of the stolen animals and managed to recover 22 cattle and 18 goats believed to have been taken during the raid.

The livestock was taken to the GSU Lami Nyeusi camp, where National Government Administrative Officers oversaw a verification process.

Traders who had lost animals were able to identify and reclaim them during the exercise.

“The multi-agency team remains deployed in the area, continuing efforts to locate the remaining stolen livestock and apprehend the perpetrators,” the statement added.

The police said the raid highlighted the deeper challenges facing pastoralist communities, including long-standing rivalries and competition over natural resources.

They noted that livestock theft continues to pose a serious threat to the livelihoods and stability of communities in arid and semi-arid areas.

Authorities said they are working with local leaders, elders, and residents to strengthen efforts to curb the crime, which often increases during droughts and times of food scarcity.

Despite successful recoveries in recent months, efforts to bring rustlers to justice remain difficult due to the harsh terrain and lack of cooperation from communities, some of whom are bound by clan ties.

The police have appealed to residents to share any information that could lead to the arrest of suspects and recovery of remaining animals.

They warned that protecting or aiding livestock thieves is illegal and those found doing so will face prosecution.