Five suspects are in police custody following a breakthrough in investigations into a brutal double murder that shocked residents of Tonto Village in Kamwimbi Location, Tharaka Nithi County.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 10, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the arrests were made by detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), who have been probing the attack that occurred on May 21, leaving two people dead and two others seriously injured.
The DCI detailed the events of the night when the gang allegedly struck the homestead, noting that the attackers escalated their violence as they moved further into the compound.
“At approximately 9:00 p.m., the attackers stormed the homestead, unleashing chaos as they fatally assaulted a man at the entrance.
“In a brazen display of violence, the assailants fired several shots into the air to intimidate nearby residents before they advanced deeper into the compound, where they ruthlessly took the life of an elderly woman,” the statement read.
According to investigators, the attack also left two other victims with severe injuries.
“Amidst the brutality, two other victims were left seriously injured and urgently rushed to the hospital for life-saving treatment,” the statement added.
Given the seriousness of the incident, detectives from the specialised unit took charge of the case and launched extensive investigations aimed at identifying those responsible.
“Owing to the grave nature of the incident, detectives from CRIB Headquarters swiftly took over the investigation, embarking on an intensive intelligence-led operation,” the statement further read.
The DCI said investigators combined intelligence gathering with forensic examinations to track down those believed to have participated in the killings.
“Through meticulous detective work and forensic analysis, they began to unearth the identities of several suspects believed to be directly connected to this horrific attack.
“A series of well-coordinated operations conducted between June 4 and June 8 culminated in the arrest of five individuals: Benson Mugendi Patrick, Kibet Collins Kemboi, Wilson Kinyua Nyaga, Josphat Nyaga Njue, and Joseph Kinyua Njeru, famously known as Maruu,” the statement noted.
Detectives said preliminary findings point to a carefully orchestrated criminal plan, with forensic evidence and intelligence reports playing a key role in piecing together the case.
“Preliminary investigations reveal a meticulously planned criminal conspiracy. Forensic analysis and intelligence reports have proven crucial in unravelling this chilling plot,” the statement concluded.
The five suspects remain in custody as investigators complete processing ahead of their arraignment in court.
