Police in Kirinyaga County have arrested three people described as the region's most wanted criminals in connection with a series of livestock thefts.

According to Kirinyaga West (Ndia) Sub-County Police Commander Moses Koskei, the suspects were apprehended after stealing two cows worth more than Ksh 150,000 from the homestead of Purity Waruguru Njeru in Maganjo Village, near Sagana Township.

After mobilizing her neighbors to search for the stolen livestock without success, Ms. Njeru reported the incident to Sagana Police Station.

Commander Koskei stated that upon receiving the report, officers from Sagana Police Station swiftly launched an operation based on intelligence leads. 

The operation led them to Ndindiruku and Kiumbu villages in Mwea-East Sub-County, the home of John Kariuki, alias "Mzee wa Mkuki," aged 51. 

During the raid, police recovered various items believed to be used in the thefts, including two hammers, a panga, a weighing machine, a star screwdriver, a sisal rope, a sharp-pointed metal rod, a poisonous substance known as Fukokil, and methanol. These items were found concealed in a sack.

Following Kariuki's arrest, the police proceeded to the home of Robert Mwangi Kamau, alias "Makusa," aged 50, where they arrested him and recovered two motorcycles with bloodstains at one of his butcheries. 

The operation continued with the arrest of Joseph Githinji Gakobo, alias "Kachumbari," who was intercepted while attempting to escape on a motorcycle. 

A sack containing two cow skins, one black and one brown, was recovered in his possession.

Commander Koskei noted that the suspects are notorious criminals, with one having been arrested in October 2023. However, the case was withdrawn after livestock owners accepted compensation. 

"We are committed to addressing the issue of livestock theft once and for all, but we face challenges when residents negotiate with suspects after cases are brought to court. The community must allow the police to prosecute these criminals," Koskei said.

The three suspects are currently being held at Sagana Police Station. 

The police plan to present them at Baricho Law Court, where they will seek permission to detain them longer to continue investigations.