Gang breaks into coffee factory in Kirinyaga, steal 26 bags of cherries

According to the Urumandi Coffee Cooperative Society chairman Patrick Gicobi the theft took place Sunday night at Togonye coffee factory in Murinduko ward when the thieves allegedly cut open the main store and made away with 26 bags of coffee cherries.

Samuel Bundi, among the two watchmen who were guarding the factory, said they were held by over 10 people who were armed with crude weapons who stormed the factory through the entrance and found him near the water pump he was taking care of.

Bundi said they were guarded by over 10 people as others loaded the 26 bags of the product into a lorry and they untied themselves after the thieves ferried the product with a lorry. 

“I raised an alarm after they left where we were untied by responders,” Bundi said.

The management said the theft could be a reality because coffee prices are so high.

“Our two factories, Mururi and Togonye factories, have been growing over the recent high coffee prices. We want the police to investigate and arrest the culprits,” Cyrus Murabai the vice chairman of Urumandi Coffee Society said.

The management said police officers arrived at the scene and said they have launched investigations.

“The stolen coffee was completely dried and was supposed to be sold tomorrow. This is the third incident in the Togonye coffee factory and it has left farmers with nothing,” Patrick Gicobi, the chairman of Urumandi Coffee Cooperative society said.