A farmer has sued the Inspector General of Police, seeking compensation and the release of his five cows that were seized by officers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU).

Richard Chirchir moved to the High Court in Nakuru seeking orders to have his cows returned after they were taken by the officers in Elburgon on April 3, 2025.

Chirchir asserts that the cows were seized from his home in Ngongongeri during a raid by armed security officers.

In an application under a certificate of urgency through his lawyer, Peter Bore, he alleged that the officers intimidated his family without any justification.

"There are multiple violations of constitutional rights, including the right to property, fair administrative action, and human dignity, as outlined in Articles 10, 27, 40, 43, 47, 48, and 232 of the Constitution of Kenya," Chirchir stated.

Despite declaring that he is the owner of the cows, he claims the officers took them without preparing or providing any inventory.

Chirchir expressed concern over the well-being of the animals, claiming that they were injured during the raid. He also alleged that the raid was connected to an ongoing land dispute with a neighbor.

He alleged that the dispute has resulted in him being arrested and charged several times before a Molo Chief Magistrate Court.

"I suspect that the raid is related to the land dispute with my neighbour, which has led to baseless criminal charges against me for assault, forcible detainer, and malicious damage to property in Molo court," he claimed.

Chirchir said that he has yet to receive any information on why police seized the cows.

His lawyer argued that the detention of the animals is not only unlawful but also exposes them to harmful conditions.

"The unlawful detention of the cattle not only infringes on Chirchir's right to property but also places the animals in serious danger due to the poor conditions under which they are being kept," Bore said.

Chirchir is seeking the immediate release of his cows and compensation for the losses he has incurred.

He is seeking compensation at a rate to be determined by the court for the loss and injury.