Three arrested over livestock theft in Kirinyaga, Embu Counties

Detectives have arrested three suspects believed to be behind a cross-county livestock theft syndicate that has been targeting farmers in Embu and Kirinyaga.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects, Alex Mwangi and Anthony Macharia, were nabbed in Embu, while the third accomplice Mercy Nyaguthi Njiru was cornered in Kerugoya town in Kirinyaga.

The operation began in Embu, where officers intercepted a Toyota Sienta said to have been used to ferry stolen animals at night.

“The operation began with the arrest of Alex Mwangi and Anthony Macharia in Embu, where officers impounded a Toyota Sienta, the vehicle allegedly used to ferry stolen animals under the cover of darkness,” DCI stated.

The manhunt later extended to Kerugoya town, where detectives arrested Mercy Nyaguthi Njiru, who is alleged to have been receiving the stolen livestock.

A search at her premises led to the recovery of several animals, including a heifer suspected to have been stolen from Kianjoma, a Friesian cow believed to have been taken from Karatina, ten goats, five kids and one sheep.

DCI confirmed that all three suspects are in custody as investigations continue, with the trio expected to face charges once processing is complete.