Police in Ndia, Kirinyaga County, have apprehended a six-member gang believed to be behind a series of livestock thefts in the area.
The suspects, including the alleged leader Bernard Kariuki Rukungu, are currently held at Sagana Police Station and are set to appear in court on Friday.
Kirinyaga West Sub-County Police Commander Moses Koskei reported that the arrests came after a coordinated operation was launched following the theft of a cow in Kahiro village near Sagana.
The police had been tracking the gang since they stole three cows valued at sh. 300,000 on October 5, 2024.
Commander Koskei explained that the gang’s method involves renting vehicles in Nairobi to carry out their thefts. After committing the crimes, they return the rented cars and rent different ones to avoid detection.
“Using a brown Toyota Axio (Reg. No. KDL 612R), they stole a female cow worth Ksh. 80,000 belonging to Anthony Muthee Kabiru,” he added.
Among the six suspects, four are from Mwea East, while two are from Nairobi. Rukungu, originally from Kang’aru village in Ndia, had relocated to Ndindiruku village in Mwea East, where he runs a butcher shop. He is currently wanted under an arrest warrant.
The gang’s activities have raised concerns among local farmers, who have faced significant losses due to livestock theft.
The police are determined to clamp down on such criminal activities and restore safety in the community.
As the suspects prepare for their court appearance at Baricho Law Courts, the police will request to keep them in custody for further investigations.
“We are committed to ensuring justice is served and will pursue all leads to dismantle this criminal network,” Koskei emphasized.
The community remains hopeful that these efforts will deter future thefts and enhance security in the region.
