Eight individuals believed to be behind a wave of livestock thefts that have plagued Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties have been arrested.
Acting on intelligence, police foiled a planned raid by the gang, which has instilled fear among local farmers through a series 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”, the DCI said in a statement.
Investigations have revealed that the group operates as a network involving buyers, transporters, and butchers who play various roles in the livestock theft network.
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.
The suspects are currently in custody and are being processed pending arraignment.
Meanwhile, police have intensified a crackdown aimed at dismantling livestock theft syndicates and safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
“The National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to rooting out organised crime and ensuring that such individuals are held accountable”, the police assured.
