A dramatic night pursuit unfolded in Gakungu Village, Thiba Ward, Mwea-West Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, after vigilant residents foiled an attempted livestock theft, capturing one suspect while two others narrowly escaped. The incident has once again brought to light the growing menace of livestock theft that has gripped villages across the county in recent months.
According to residents, the suspected thieves had raided the homestead of Eddah Njeri, a local farmer and member of a women’s self-help group, at around 3 a.m. on Friday. They are believed to have stolen three sheep before retreating to a nearby thicket to slaughter them, barely 100 meters away from Njeri’s compound. However, their act was interrupted when Njeri woke up to the frantic bleating of her animals.
“I was asleep when I heard unusual noises from the shed,” Njeri recounted emotionally. “When I went to check, I found two of my sheep already slaughtered. It was devastating. I had bought them through our women’s merry-go-round group savings.”
Startled by the discovery, Njeri immediately raised the alarm, prompting neighbors to rush to her aid. Within minutes, a group of angry villagers armed with torches, sticks, and machetes descended on the scene. Realizing they had been cornered, the three suspects attempted to flee on a motorcycle. In their panic, however, they abandoned the bike and scattered into the darkness.
Villagers Track Down One Suspect
Led by community elder Martin Mwaura, the villagers organized a swift search that lasted several hours. Using the abandoned motorcycle as a lead, they managed to identify one of the suspects, believed to be a well-known miraa (khat) trader from nearby Ngurubani Town.
“We traced the owner of the motorbike to his house,” Mwaura said. “At around 6 a.m., we found him fast asleep, probably exhausted after the failed theft. We immediately apprehended him and handed him over to officers from Thiba Police Station.”
The suspect, whose identity police are withholding for security reasons, was escorted under tight guard as angry residents gathered outside his house demanding justice. Mwaura commended the villagers for maintaining calm and avoiding mob justice, despite rising frustration over the recurring theft cases.
“We are glad residents did not take the law into their own hands,” he added. “It’s unfortunate that some people we see trading at night in Ngurubani are the same ones stealing from our homes.”
Wave of Livestock Thefts Across Mwea
The incident is not isolated. Over the past few months, several villages in Mwea-West, including Kasarana, Ngukami, Maendeleo, Kangiciri, and Karira, have reported similar thefts targeting sheep, goats, and poultry. In many cases, residents say, the thieves operate in groups, using motorbikes for quick getaways.
“We’ve been forced to stay up at night guarding our animals,” said Peter Mwangi, another resident. “The thefts have become so frequent that most of us take turns keeping watch. Our patience has run out.”
Mwangi added that the community suspects organized networks, some with connections to local markets, are behind the thefts. The stolen livestock are believed to be quickly slaughtered and sold to unsuspecting buyers, often in nearby towns.
Police Launch Manhunt for Escaped Suspects
Confirming the incident, officers at Thiba Police Station said they have launched a manhunt for the two remaining suspects, who managed to flee during the early-morning commotion. Police are also investigating the ownership of the motorcycle left behind, which they say could provide crucial leads in dismantling the livestock theft network.
A senior officer who requested anonymity told Citizen Digital that similar cases are under active investigation across the sub-county.
“We are following several leads that suggest this is a coordinated criminal group,” the officer said. “We have recovered evidence that could help us identify and arrest the other two suspects. We also urge residents to report suspicious night movements and avoid taking matters into their own hands.”
Fear and Fatigue Among Residents
The surge in livestock thefts has taken a toll on rural farmers who depend on their animals for livelihood. Many, like Njeri, rely on group savings and small-scale farming to sustain their families. Losing even a few animals can mean months of financial setback.
“These sheep were part of my family’s investment,” Njeri said tearfully. “It takes a lot of sacrifice to raise them, feed them, and care for them. It’s painful to see your efforts go to waste because of thieves.”
Local leaders have also raised concerns, calling on authorities to strengthen community policing and increase night patrols. Residents have been encouraged to register livestock and use branding for easier identification in case of theft.
Community Policing and Vigilance
The Kirinyaga County security committee has urged residents to collaborate closely with the police through Nyumba Kumi initiatives, emphasizing that early reporting can prevent such crimes. They also warned miraa traders who engage in criminal activities under the cover of night operations that their days are numbered.
“We are aware that some people use their night businesses as a cover for theft,” a local administrator said. “Anyone caught will face the full force of the law.”
A Community on Guard
As police intensify their investigations, the once peaceful village of Gakungu remains on edge. Residents have begun setting up informal patrols, using whistles and phone alerts to coordinate responses whenever animals are heard making noise at night.
Despite the trauma, villagers say they are proud of how they handled the situation with courage and restraint. The arrested suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
For Njeri and her neighbors, the message is clear: the people of Mwea are no longer passive victims.
“We will protect what is ours,” said Mwaura firmly. “Anyone planning to steal from us should know we are watching, and we will act.”
