11 Held Over Livestock Theft
Detectives in Kirinyaga County have received the green light to hold 11 suspected livestock thieves for a week as they wrap up their investigations.
The prosecution requested additional time to finalize their inquiries, and Kerugoya Law Court’s Principal Magistrate, Martha Mutuku, approved their request to keep the 11 suspects at Kerugoya Police Station for seven days.
These suspects were apprehended over the weekend amid a surge of livestock thefts that have been affecting Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties.
Patrick Wanjohi Njoki, Peter Muriithi Ngari, Lukes Ochieng Olao, Simon Karagu Murigi, Anthony Mutugi, Daniel Kinyua Wangari, Samuel Gitonga Miano, and Cecilia Wanja Njogu were unexpectedly apprehended during a planned raid in Kagio and Mwea towns in Kirinyaga County, just as they were gearing up to make their move.
On the same day, detectives apprehended four suspects: John Macharia Karani, Martin Mwangi Gatimu, and Charles Kariuki Njeru. They admitted to stealing a cow in Kerugoya, which they later slaughtered and transported to Embu for sale.
Detectives also arrested Agustino Kiribi Mutea, the owner of Capital Butchery, who was caught buying 119 kilograms of meat from these suspects. Authorities have pointed out that livestock thefts have led to significant financial losses for farmers, severely impacting their main source of income. The suspects are set to appear in court on September 8th, 2025.
11 Held Over Livestock Theft
