Police in Ndia, Kirinyaga County, have apprehended a six-member gang involved in a series of livestock thefts in the area. Among those arrested is the alleged ringleader, Bernard Kariuki Rukungu. The suspects are currently being held at Sagana Police Station and are set to appear in court on Friday.

Kirinyaga West Sub-County Police Commander, Moses Koskei, told Citizen Digital that the arrests followed a planned operation after a cow was stolen in Kahiro village near Sagana. The suspects had been on the police radar since October 5, 2024, after they stole three cows worth Ksh. 300,000.


Koskei explained that the gang’s strategy involved renting cars in Nairobi to carry out the thefts before returning the vehicles and hiring new ones to avoid detection. "The suspects, using a brown Toyota Axio with registration number KDL 612R, stole a cow valued at Ksh. 80,000, belonging to Anthony Muthee Kabiru," Koskei said.

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The police commander also noted that four of the suspects are from Mwea East, while two are from Nairobi. The gang leader, Rukungu, originally from Kang'aru village in Ndia, had relocated to Ndindiruku village in Mwea East, where he operates a butcher shop. He is also wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant.

The six suspects will face arraignment at Baricho Law Courts on Friday, where police will seek permission to detain them further as investigations continue.