Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have successfully dismantled a notorious cross-county stock theft syndicate that has been terrorizing livestock farmers in Embu and Kirinyaga counties. The crackdown followed an intelligence-led operation targeting suspects involved in the theft and sale of animals.
The operation kicked off in Embu, where sleuths cornered two prime suspects identified as Alex Mwangi and Anthony Macharia. The two were intercepted while using a Toyota Sienta, believed to have been the syndicate’s main vehicle for transporting stolen livestock undetected.
According to police sources, the vehicle was impounded after investigations revealed it had been spotted several times moving livestock during the night. The suspects are said to have been using false explanations to evade law enforcement roadblocks and village patrols.
The dragnet later widened to Kerugoya town in Kirinyaga County, where detectives targeted the syndicate’s alleged receiver of stolen animals. The woman, identified as Mercy Nyaguthi Njiru, was arrested following a raid at her premises believed to serve as a holding ground for stolen stock.
During the search at her compound, officers recovered a black-and-white heifer suspected to have been stolen from Kianjoma area. They also seized a Friesian cow thought to have been stolen from Karatina, further linking her to the ongoing theft cases.
In addition to the cows, detectives discovered ten goats, five young kids, and one sheep hidden within the compound. The recovery confirmed farmers’ fears that their missing animals were being ferried and stashed in remote locations before resale to unsuspecting buyers.
Authorities believe the syndicate operated a well-coordinated network across county borders, with livestock stolen from Embu, Nyeri, and Kirinyaga being quickly moved to escape tracing. Farmers in the affected regions have in recent months decried rampant cases of animals disappearing overnight.
Police have confirmed that all three suspects are currently in custody as they undergo interrogation and formal processing. They are expected to face multiple charges related to stock theft, handling stolen property, and involvement in organized crime networks.
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