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8 persons of interest linked to theft of livestock arrested
31st August, 2025 12:03 PM
A breakthrough in the fight against livestock theft has been recorded after detectives arrested eight persons of interest linked to a criminal network responsible for a wave of cattle thefts across Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) statement released on Sunday, August 31, 2025, the arrests followed a series of intelligence-led investigations into a syndicate that had been operating under the cover of darkness, terrorising farmers and carting off their livestock in a string of well-coordinated thefts.
“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 DCI X post read in part.
Those arrested, DCI claim, include not only the actual cattle thieves but also individuals who played key roles in the criminal chain, including buyers, transporters, and butchers.
“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,” the DCI added.
The persons of interest are currently in police custody and awaiting arraignment as investigations continue.
The DCI emphasised its determination to dismantle such syndicates and protect the livelihoods of farmers who depend on livestock for their income.
“The National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to rooting out organised crime and ensuring that such individuals are held accountable,” the statement read.
The sleuths said the latest operation sends a strong message to criminal gangs targeting rural communities, as authorities move to tighten the noose around livestock theft networks, which have long gone unchallenged in parts of the central region.
The DCI has called on the public to continue supporting police efforts by reporting suspicious activity, assuring that every report will be treated with urgency and discretion.
The crackdown comes just days after a multi-agency security team recovered 145 cows and 5 donkeys stolen by bandits in Tigania East, Meru County.
According to NPS officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), National Police Reservists (NPR), Special Operations Group (SOG), and Kenya Police Service (KPS), they pursued the bandits after receiving a report of stock theft in the Kiambogo area.
The multi-agency team encountered the armed group at Arow Dam in Gambela location, where a fierce exchange of fire ensued.
The bandits were overpowered by the team and abandoned the stolen animals before fleeing the scene.
“A total of 145 cows and 5 donkeys were recovered and handed over to their rightful owners. The operation to flush out the fleeing bandits is still ongoing,” NPS stated.
