Editor's Review

DCI detectives have arrested 8 suspects linked to a livestock theft syndicate in Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives have arrested 8 suspects in connection with livestock theft across Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties.

In a statement on Sunday, August 31, DCI said the 8 suspects were apprehended during planned raids in Kagio and Mwea towns in Kirinyaga County.

“Operating under the cover of darkness, the group is believed to have instilled fear among local farmers through a string of well-coordinated cattle thefts.

“Unaware that their criminal activities had been under close forensic scrutiny, the suspects were caught off guard during a planned raid in Kagio and Mwea towns in Kirinyaga County, just as they were preparing to strike again,” read part of the statement.

According to DCI, the syndicate also includes buyers, transporters, and butchers who play various roles in the livestock theft network.

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Photocollage of suspects arrested over stock theft in Mt Kenya.

The arrested suspects include: Patrick Wanjohi Njoki, Peter Muriithi Ngari, Lukes Ochieng Olao, Simon Karagu Murigi, and Anthony Mutugi.

Others are: Daniel Kinyua Wangari, Samuel Gitonga Miano, and Cecilia Wanja Njogu, a well-known buyer of stolen livestock based in Mwea.

The 8 suspects are currently in police custody and being processed, pending arraignment in court.

The crackdown comes just days after a multi-agency security team recovered 145 cows and 5 donkeys stolen by bandits in Tigania East, Meru County.

According to NPS officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), National Police Reservists (NPR), the Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Kenya Police Service (KPS) pursued the bandits after receiving a report of stock theft in the Kiambogo area.

The multi-agency team encountered the armed group at Arow Dam in Gambela location, where a fierce exchange of fire ensued.

The bandits were overpowered by the team and abandoned the stolen animals before fleeing the scene.

“A total of 145 cows and 5 donkeys were recovered and handed over to their rightful owners. The operation to flush out the fleeing bandits is still ongoing,” NPS stated.