Detectives nab 4 linked to stealing and slaughtering cows to sell meat
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 31, 2025Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have apprehended four individuals in connection with a series of livestock thefts that have hit farmers across Kenya’s Central and Eastern regions, resulting in substantial financial losses and disruption of livelihoods.
“Detectives have arrested four more individuals in connection with a series of livestock theft incidents that have significantly affected the Central and Eastern regions. These thefts have resulted in substantial financial losses for farmers and have disrupted their primary source of livelihood,” the statement, posted on the DCI X account, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, read.
Investigations revealed that three of the individuals admitted to stealing a cow in Kerugoya, which was later slaughtered. The meat was transported to Embu, where it was sold.
Authorities also recovered a Toyota Probox used in moving the stolen meat. In Embu, the owner of a local butchery was arrested after purchasing 119 kilograms of the meat linked to the theft.
CCTV footage helped confirm the involvement of the arrested parties, while further inspections led investigators to an open field used for the slaughter. Animal intestines and a blood-stained rope were recovered at the scene and are now part of ongoing forensic analysis. All scenes were processed by the Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) unit.
Livestock theft networks targeted
This latest operation builds on previous arrests by the DCI targeting sophisticated livestock theft networks in the Mt Kenya region. Earlier on the same day, eight individuals were apprehended for operating coordinated cattle rustling operations across Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties. Investigators noted that these networks involve multiple roles, including buyers, transporters, butchers, and those directly committing the thefts.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has highlighted the evolving nature of the crime.
“There is a new phenomenon where they don’t drive away the livestock; they slaughter and take the meat to sell in some butcheries where there is collusion,” he said. Murkomen has vowed to ensure that those involved are prosecuted and pledged that continued collaboration with local communities would help curb these crimes.
The DCI stressed that intelligence-led investigations remain critical in dismantling criminal networks and protecting farmers’ livelihoods. Officials continue to track individuals involved in organized livestock theft, aiming to bring all parties to justice and reduce incidents of cattle rustling across affected counties.
The four individuals arrested in the latest operation are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court upon the completion of investigations. Authorities say that ongoing efforts will focus not only on apprehending offenders but also on disrupting the broader networks that enable these crimes.