Isiolo: Pastor’s Wife Shot Dead by Suspected Cattle Thieves, Suspects Arrested
- A deadly incident unfolded in a village in Isiolo county, prompting a swift response from security forces and concern among residents
- A senior police officer detailed how the incident happened and the events that took place during the pursuit of the suspects
- The officer stated that investigations into the matter are ongoing and that the suspects will be arraigned
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
A 36-year-old woman was shot dead during a failed cattle theft incident in Isiolo sub-county on Wednesday, July 30.
Source: UGC
Nelly Echuku, who was of Turkana origin and the wife of a local pastor, was alone at her homestead when suspected cattle rustlers stormed the property around 2.50pm.
What happened before Nelly Echuku was killed?
The assailants reportedly scaled the perimeter wall, targeting the family’s prized Ayrshire livestock.
According to Isiolo North OCPD Joseph Mwendwa, the suspects shot Echuku in the abdomen, with the bullet exiting through the hip area. She was rushed to Isiolo County Referral Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
“A village elder alerted us. The woman was alone as her husband, a pastor, was not at home at the time. She was shot when she rushed out after hearing a commotion. They shot her at the abdomen and the bullet exited through the hip area. She was rushed to county referral hospital where she was pronounced dead," Mwendwa told TUKO.co.ke.
Following the incident, a multi-agency security team—comprising officers from Kulamawe and Isiolo Police Stations, National Police Reservists, a K9 unit, and the Chief of Burat Location—was dispatched to track the suspects, who were believed to have escaped toward the KMC area.
During the pursuit, tensions flared as members of the public, angered by the killing, confronted the two suspects, also of Turkana origin.
They attacked the duo before police intervened and rescued them. The injured suspects were treated in the hospital before being taken into custody for processing.
Source: Original
Did police recover Nelly Echuku's stolen livestock?
Authorities suspected the attack was premeditated, with plans to transport the animals via lorry, given the cows’ inability to cover long distances on foot.
"We believe this was a planned theft because the animals cannot easily be driven away,” said Mwendwa.
Meanwhile, the police recovered stolen livestock—two cows and a calf.
The OCPD confirmed that they had begun preparing the suspects for arraignment. He also urged the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.
Why was Dan Maasai killed?
Elsewhere, a man who was reported missing for several days was killed by a mob in Kiplombe, Uasin Gishu county, after being mistaken for a thief.
Dan Ngetich Arap Maasai was found at night inside a private homestead on the outskirts of Eldoret City. Residents raised an alarm, suspecting him to be a criminal. In response, a mob descended on him and inflicted serious injuries.
Police officers arrived at the scene and rushed the victim to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), but he later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
