Detectives have arrested eight individuals suspected of operating a sophisticated livestock theft network that has been terrorising farmers across four counties in the Mt Kenya region through coordinated cattle rustling operations.

In a statement posted on their X account on Sunday, August 31, 2025, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed that the arrests followed extensive intelligence-led investigations targeting a criminal network that had been conducting livestock thefts in Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties.

“Following a series of intelligence-led investigations, detectives have arrested eight individuals suspected to be behind a wave of livestock thefts that have plagued Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties,” DCI stated.

According to investigators, the group was intercepted while preparing to carry out another raid in Kagio and Mwea towns in Kirinyaga County.

“Unaware that their criminal activities had been under close forensic scrutiny, 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,” the statement read.

Livestock theft network

According to the DCI, preliminary findings have revealed that the network consisted of individuals playing different roles, including buyers, transporters, butchers, and those directly involved in the theft.

“Investigations have revealed that the group includes not only the thieves themselves but also buyers, transporters, and butchers who play various roles in the livestock theft network,” DCI explained.

They further confirmed that the eight individuals are currently in custody and are being processed pending arraignment.

“Efforts continue to dismantle criminal networks and protect the livelihoods of hardworking farmers across the country,” the statement concluded.

Murkomen’s pledge

This operation follows a recent directive from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who vowed to enhance efforts to combat livestock theft in Nyandarua County.

In an address on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the Commissioner’s office in Nyandarua, the CS noted that the crime has evolved from merely stealing livestock to slaughtering animals in their pens and carrying the meat away in the dead of night.

“There is a new phenomenon where they don’t drive away the livestock, they slaughter and take the meat to sell in some of the butcheries where there is collusion,” he stated.

Murkomen pledged to ensure that the culprits are prosecuted according to the law and that the crime is eradicated in the county.

“Cases of livestock theft have significantly reduced, owing to the efforts of administrative units working hand in hand with Wananchi, who have taken seriously the advice by the security officers,” Murkomen said.