By Shadrack Nyakoe
In a significant breakthrough, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have apprehended three notorious robbery suspects and recovered an M16 rifle believed to have been used in a series of violent crimes across Imenti North and Buuri West Sub-Counties.
The arrests were made by a joint team from the DCI Headquarters’ Criminal Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), the Operation Support Unit (OSU), and local law enforcement from the Imenti Central and Buuri West Sub-Counties.
The suspects, identified as Patrick Muriera M’mbijiwe, 35, and Kenneth Muthethia Kiriinya, alias Kiroria, have been terrorizing residents with a string of violent robberies.
Among their crimes is a daring raid on September 5, 2024, in Magati village, where they stole two prized cows and fired live rounds into the air to intimidate locals.
On September 15, 2024, the suspects attacked another home in Rugusu, stealing a dairy cow and fatally shooting a woman who raised an alarm.
Their latest crime involved a failed arson attempt on a four-bedroom house, where they shot the homeowners, leaving both in critical condition.
Following meticulous investigations, detectives tracked the suspects to their hideouts. Interrogation led officers to Kianjuri village, where the criminals had buried the M16 rifle, along with ammunition, magazines, and other items. The recovery of the firearm, linked to previous crimes through ballistic analysis, provided critical evidence against the suspects.
In a shocking revelation, investigations uncovered that Cpl Dominic Munene Peter, a police officer based in Marsabit County, had been working with the criminals. He has since been arrested.
The DCI has reaffirmed its dedication to combating crime and ensuring the safety of Kenyan citizens.
