3 arrested over Embu-Kirinyaga livestock theft syndicate
By Faith Lagat, September 27, 2025The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against livestock theft with the arrest of three suspects believed to be part of a cross-county stock theft syndicate operating in Embu and Kirinyaga.
The arrests, detailed in a DCI post on X dated September 27, 2025, underline the agency’s ongoing crackdown on crimes affecting rural livelihoods.
“Detectives have arrested three suspects believed to be behind a cross-county stock theft syndicate operating in Embu and Kirinyaga.”
Also watch: Police seize over 1,300 litres of ethanol, arrest three in Kapsabet
Arrest and recovery
According to the DCI, detectives first arrested the two in Embu, impounding a car believed to have been used to ferry stolen animals under the cover of darkness. Investigators say the seizure marked a critical step in disrupting the syndicate’s logistics and recovering stolen property.
The operation then moved to Kerugoya Town, where another person of interest, identified as the receiver of stolen livestock, was apprehended.
Detectives searched her premises, recovering a heifer suspected to have been stolen from Kianjoma, a Friesian cow believed to have been stolen from Karatina, ten goats, five kids and one sheep. The haul highlighted the scale and variety of livestock targeted by the group.
“A search of her premises led to the recovery of a heifer suspected to have been stolen from Kianjoma, a Friesian cow believed to have been stolen from Karatina, ten goats, five kids, and one sheep.”
All three persons of interest are in custody, undergoing processing, and are expected to be arraigned soon, the DCI said.
“All three suspects are currently in custody, undergoing processing, pending arraignment.”
Separate operation
In a separate operation earlier, detectives from the Operations Support Unit arrested four officers suspected of involvement in an illegal arms trade.
The breakthrough came when Corporal Kipngetich was caught receiving a consignment of 1,000 rounds of ammunition from Constables Ileli and Mutongu, allegedly intended for ASP Lotira.
Subsequent arrests led to the recovery of 19 assorted firearm magazines, firing pins, cleaning kits, and three spent 9mm cartridges from Constable Mutongu, while Constable Ileli was found with a Remington Rand Model 1911 pistol and two Ceska pistol firing pins.
All four officers are set to be arraigned on Monday, September 29, 2025. The National Police Service reiterated its commitment to pursue anyone undermining public safety through illegal arms trade or livestock theft.