The saloon car that was impounded with slaughtered cows in Mwea East, Kirinyaga county/ ALICE WAITHERADetectives on Tuesday intercepted a vehicle transporting two slaughtered cows believed to have been stolen and arrested a suspect behind the theft in Mwea East, Kirinyaga county.
The arrest followed a tip-off from members of the public who alerted officers about a suspicious Toyota Probox seen ferrying livestock carcasses.
Kirinyaga County Criminal Investigations Officer Justus Imaana said detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) swiftly mounted an operation after receiving information that the vehicle was carrying suspected stolen cattle.
As officers closed in on the vehicle at around noon, the driver reportedly stopped, abandoned it and attempted to escape on foot.
Detectives, assisted by members of the public, pursued and arrested the suspect. He was identified as Michael Ngure Maringa.
"The officers gave chase and, with the assistance of members of the public, managed to arrest the suspect after he abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee," Imaana said.
Two carcasses of female cows that had already been beheaded were found. Detectives also recovered a blood-stained panga and several items of clothing believed to have been used during the crime.
The suspect was taken to Wang'uru police station, where investigations established that the vehicle, which was displaying registration number KCF 684J, was allegedly fitted with what police suspect to be a fake number plate.
Police are now seeking to establish the ownership of both the vehicle and the recovered livestock as investigations continue.
The arrest comes amid heightened concern over rising cases of stock theft in Kirinyaga and neighbouring counties.
In October last year, police recovered five stolen cows and a bull calf during a raid at Ndindiruku village in Mwea East, with some of the livestock later identified by their owners at Wang’uru police station.
Investigators believe criminal groups have been working with transporters, butchers and buyers to move stolen livestock and meat across county borders, making the crime increasingly organised.
"The suspect remains in custody as we continue investigations to establish the ownership of the vehicle and the recovered livestock," Imaana said.
Police have launched a manhunt for other individuals believed to have been involved.
The county investigations chief commended residents who shared information that led to the arrest and recovery of the carcasses.
"We are committed to getting to the bottom of this matter and ensuring that all those involved in cattle theft are brought to justice," he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities, assuring them that all information shared with investigators would be treated confidentially.
