Residents of Gakungu Village in Thiba Ward, Mwea-West Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, have arrested a suspected livestock thief following a botched attempt to steal sheep from a local homestead. Two other suspects managed to escape, abandoning their motorcycle at the scene.
According to residents led by Martin Mwaura, the three suspects allegedly stole three sheep from the homestead of Eddah Njeri early Friday morning. The thieves were reportedly caught slaughtering the animals about 100 meters from Njeri’s home when villagers responded to her alarm.
“Njeri raised the alarm at around 3 a.m., attracting villagers to the scene. The suspects fled, leaving behind their motorcycle, which helped us trace one of them. We found him asleep at his home around 6 a.m. and handed him over to officers from Thiba Police Station,” said Mwaura.
Njeri, who was visibly distraught, said she woke up to the sound of her sheep bleating and was shocked to find two of them already slaughtered.
“I could not believe it. I bought those sheep through our women’s group merry-go-round,” she said tearfully.
Residents say the Mwea region has witnessed a surge in livestock and poultry thefts in recent months, forcing villagers to keep night vigils to protect their animals.
“We’ve seen a rise in theft across several villages, including Kasarana, Ngukami, Maendeleo, Kangiciri, and Karira. Our patience has run out,” said Peter Mwangi, a local resident.
Mwaura further revealed that the arrested suspect, who is reportedly a miraa (khat) trader in Ngurubani Town, is believed to be part of a larger livestock theft network operating in the region.
“We’re glad residents didn’t take the law into their own hands. It’s unfortunate that some miraa traders operating at night in Ngurubani are also involved in stealing from our villages,” he added.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the two suspects who escaped and have begun investigations into the incident.
