Eight individuals suspected of being behind a series of livestock thefts have been arrested following a coordinated operation by detectives in Kirinyaga County.
According to detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects, who had operated under the cover of darkness across Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties, are believed to have instilled fear among farmers through well-coordinated cattle thefts.
Detectives stated that the arrests followed a series of intelligence-driven investigations that subjected the group to detailed forensic examination.
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.
''Following a series of intelligence-led investigations, detectives have arrested eight individuals suspected of being 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,'' a police report confirmed.
Investigations have revealed that the group was not limited to the thieves alone but also included buyers, transporters, and butchers who played different roles in the livestock theft network.
The suspects are currently in custody as detectives process them ahead of arraignment in court.
Earlier this year, cattle thieves in the central region of Kenya devised new ways of stealing lucrative dairy cattle to get an edge over authorities and livestock owners.
Residents of Kandara, Murang'a County, were left baffled after a spate of cattle theft, with the perpetrators mainly targeting dairy cattle.
The thieves resorted to using small cars, including the Toyota Wish, which has just enough space to fit livestock the size of a cow. One resident recounted seeing a Toyota Prado at a scene where a cow was reported to have been stolen.
Murang'a and its neighbouring counties have been notorious for incidents involving livestock theft. In November 2024, another alarming trend emerged in Nyandarua involving cows, goats, and at times, chickens.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling organised crime networks and protecting the livelihoods of farmers affected by rampant livestock thefts.
