Police in Kirinyaga County have apprehended three suspects linked to a high-profile livestock theft ring. The arrests, which took place in a meticulously coordinated operation, are expected to bring relief to the region grappling with a surge in livestock thefts.
According to Moses Koskei, the Kirinyaga West (Ndia) Sub-County Police Commander, the suspects were apprehended following a string of thefts that have plagued the area. The case that led to their capture involved the theft of two cows valued at over Ksh 150,000 from Purity Waruguru Njeru’s homestead in Maganjo Village, near Sagana Township.
The theft was reported to the Sagana Police Station after Ms. Njeru, who had initially mobilized neighbors in a fruitless search for the stolen animals, decided to involve the authorities. Commander Koskei detailed that the police, upon receiving the report, acted swiftly. Utilizing intelligence leads, officers launched a targeted operation that led them to the villages of Ndindiruku and Kiumbu in Mwea-East Sub-County.
The operation zeroed in on John Kariuki, known locally as “Mzee wa Mkuki,” a 51-year-old who is considered one of the region’s most wanted criminals. During the raid on Kariuki’s residence, police recovered a range of incriminating items. Among the confiscated goods were two hammers, a panga, a weighing machine, a star screwdriver, a sisal rope, a sharp-pointed metal rod, a poisonous substance known as Fukokil, and methanol. These items were discovered hidden in a sack, further linking Kariuki to the thefts.
The arrest of Kariuki led the police to Robert Mwangi Kamau, alias “Makusa,” a 50-year-old who was also implicated in the theft ring. At Kamau’s home, officers seized two motorcycles stained with blood, found at one of his butcheries. This discovery added to the growing evidence against the suspects.
The third suspect, Joseph Githinji Gakobo, known as “Kachumbari,” was apprehended while attempting to flee on a motorcycle. Police recovered a sack from him containing two cow skins—one black and one brown—which are believed to be part of the stolen livestock.
Commander Koskei highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling livestock thefts. Despite the arrests, he pointed out that the suspects have a history of similar offenses. For instance, one of the suspects was previously arrested in October 2023, but the case was withdrawn after livestock owners agreed to a settlement.
“We are committed to addressing the issue of livestock theft comprehensively,” Commander Koskei said. “However, we face difficulties when residents negotiate with suspects after cases are brought to court. It is crucial for the community to support the police in prosecuting these criminals, rather than settling for compensation that undermines justice.”
The suspects are currently being held at Sagana Police Station. The police plan to present them at Baricho Law Court, where they will request permission to detain them further to facilitate ongoing investigations.
This case underscores the persistent issue of livestock theft in Kirinyaga County and the broader challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing such crimes. The arrests mark a significant step forward in the battle against organized theft, reflecting the authorities’ determination to ensure that justice is served and that communities can feel secure in their own homes.
As the investigation continues, local residents are hopeful that these arrests will lead to a more secure environment and dissuade others from engaging in similar criminal activities.
