County Officers Justify Action After Cows Seized at Marketing Center

January 08, 2026 - Garissa County Government enforcement officers have defended their decision to detain marauding cattle seized at the busy Suuq Mugdi market, saying the animals had been causing persistent disturbances and injuries to traders.

Inspector Mohamed Musa Abdullahi, one of the enforcement officers, said livestock roaming freely within the market had caused “untold suffering” to traders, particularly vegetable vendors who operate in congested sections of the town.

According to Abdullahi, an estimated 1,200 cows are released into the market daily, with some owners showing little concern over the disruption their animals cause to legitimate businesses. He claimed several traders injured by the cattle are currently receiving treatment at Garissa Referral Hospital.

Flanked by his colleagues, Abdullahi said the animals were detained at the Garissa showground under official orders, dismissing allegations that some of the cows had died due to neglect. “We have been providing water every day — two water bowsers daily, each costing about Sh7,000 as well as animal feed,” he said. “This operation was meant to clean up the town because, beyond the disturbance, the cattle had become an eyesore and were dirtying public spaces.”