The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested 8 suspects linked with livestock theft across Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri and Murang’a counties.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 31, DCI noted that the 8 suspects were nabbed during planned raids in Kagio and Mwea towns in Kirinyaga County.
According to DCI, the syndicate also includes buyers, transporters and butchers who play various roles in the livestock theft network.
Police arrest 8 over rising livestock theft inMt Kenya. Photo: Courtesy.
Among the suspects are Patrick Wanjohi Njoki, Peter Muriithi Ngari, Lukes Ochieng Olao, Simon Karagu Murigi, and Anthony Mutugi.
They are joined by Daniel Kinyua Wangari, Samuel Gitonga Miano, and Cecilia Wanja Njogu, a prominent Mwea trader accused of buying stolen livestock
The 8 suspects are currently in police custody and being processed, pending arraignment in court.
8 suspects in custody over livestock theft. Photo: Courtesy.
Notably, the crackdown comes days after a multi-agency security team recovered 145 cows and 5 donkeys stolen by bandits in Tigania East, Meru County.
