Story by Sammie Mugane
Following a series of intelligence-led investigations, detectives have arrested eight individuals suspected to be behind a wave of livestock thefts that have plagued Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties. 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.
Among those arrested are: Patrick Wanjohi Njoki, Peter Muriithi Ngari, Lukes Ochieng Olao, Simon Karagu Murigi, Anthony Mutugi, Daniel Kinyua Wangari, Samuel Gitonga Miano and Cecilia Wanja Njogu — a well-known buyer of stolen livestock based in Mwea, John Macharia Karani, Martin Mwangi Gatimu, and Charles Kariuki Njeru who confessed to having stolen a cow in Kerugoya the previous day, which they later slaughtered. They subsequently transported the carcass to Embu, where it was sold.
Images of the suspects πππ
The sleuths further recovered a Toyota Probox, registration number KBT 117T, which was found to have been used by the suspects to transport the meat.
While in Embu, investigators arrested Agustino Kiribi Mutea, the proprietor of Capital Butchery, who was found to have purchased 119 kilograms of meat from the aforementioned suspects.
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.
Investigations have revealed that the group includes not only the thieves themselves but also buyers, transporters, and butchers who play various roles in the livestock theft network.
In a bid to establish the full extent of the suspects’ activities, detectives traced the owner of the stolen cow. Upon reviewing CCTV footage, the suspects were positively identified in the act of committing the crime.
This comes barely hours after 2 suspected cattle thieves were cornered by irate mob in a botched cattle theft.
They were beaten to pulp and set ablaze at Murubara, Mwea after their accomplices managed to escape.
Their charred remains were later picked by police as they launched manhunt for their accomplices to unravel more about the racket.
Further interrogations led to the discovery of an open field believed to have been used for the slaughter. At the scene, investigators recovered animal intestines and a blood-stained rope, both of which are now part of the ongoing forensic analysis.
All scenes were processed by officers from the Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) unit. The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court upon the completion of investigations.
The suspects are currently in custody and being processed, pending arraignment.
The National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to rooting out organized crime and ensuring that such individuals are held accountable. Efforts continue to dismantle criminal networks and protect the livelihoods of hardworking farmers across the country.
The thefts have resulted in substantial financial losses for farmers and have disrupted their primary source of livelihood.
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