Police officers from Mosoriot Police Station in Nandi County are facing accusations of abusing their authority after residents claimed they carried out violent dawn raids and unlawfully seized property under the pretext of enforcing court auction orders to recover debts.
According to residents, armed officers have been targeting individuals with outstanding loans, allegedly using intimidation and force to confiscate livestock and household electronics without proper legal backing.
The allegations surfaced after a raid conducted early Saturday morning, January 17, when officers reportedly stormed several homes around 5 a.m., seizing livestock and loading them onto a lorry.
Police Accused of Confiscating Cows Without Court Orders in Nandi. Photo: Courtesy.
One of the victims, Abraham Keter from the Saniak area in Chesumei Sub-County, said more than eight officers raided his homestead and took six dairy cows, leaving him with only three heifers that do not produce milk.
Keter claimed he was violently assaulted when he stepped outside to question the raid, alleging an officer struck him with a gun and others continued beating him as they drove off with his cattle.
He further accused the officers of issuing death threats to stop him from reporting the incident.
Residents followed the lorry to Baharini Police Post before being redirected to Mosoriot Police Station, where officers said the seizure was linked to a loan allegedly guaranteed by Keter’s wife, a claim she denied, citing recent surgery.
Another resident, Didmus Kiprotich, said officers raided his home a day earlier and seized livestock worth about Ksh400,000, insisting he was never served with any court order authorising the auction.
According to the residents at least 16 dairy cows, 11 sheep, and several electronic items were seized during the alleged raids, claiming no legal documents were presented.
Kiprotich added that police initially dismissed their complaints.
On Sunday, angry residents protested at Mosoriot Police Station, demanding action against the officers and the return of their livestock.
Police noted that investigations are ongoing and promised the animals would be returned, as locals urged the Interior Ministry to intervene.
