By John Mutiso
Police in Meru have arrested six suspects linked to a gang rape incident that occurred on Monday, December 1, in the Laare area in Meru.
According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), law enforcement officers from Laare Police Station apprehended the suspects following a horrifying attack that took place in Laare Town, within Igembe North Sub-County.
On the day of the incident, officers received an urgent distress call from members of the public reporting that a young woman was in grave danger, being sexually assaulted by a group of men who were part of a traditional circumcision procession.
Police responded immediately and rushed to the scene, where they found the victim in a state of extreme distress. Her clothes were torn, and she had suffered significant trauma. Officers immediately escorted her to Nyambene Hospital, where she received medical treatment.
Following the attack, law enforcement launched an extensive manhunt to track down those responsible. Using forensic evidence and intelligence leads, detectives conducted targeted operations across multiple locations in the region.
The coordinated raids in Irinde, Lubwa, and Kiarama areas led to the successful arrest of six suspects: Dennis Mwirigi, Ismael Gichuge, Elijah Muriki, Isaac Ntomauta, Joseph Marete, and Phineas Mutali, who were found hiding in various locations.
These six suspects join three others who were arrested on December 1, bringing the total number of those in custody to nine. All suspects are currently being processed and are expected to be arraigned in court soon.
Detectives have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with officers working tirelessly to identify and apprehend any additional suspects who may have been involved in the attack.
The Meru gang rape case ignited a national conversation on rampant gender-based violence and the safety of women in public spaces.
Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko was among Kenyans who reacted to the brutality of the incident. Sonko in a video and statement posted online condemned the attack in harsh terms and announced that he launched a high-profile campaign demanding justice. He further offered Ksh300,000 for information leading to arrests.
“What happened to this woman is pure evil,” he said. “A gang of cowards violated her and tried to silence her with threats. I will not allow these beasts to hide or breathe another day freely.”
At the same time, Sonko said he had deployed his private rescue and security team to Meru:
“Let it be known: we are coming for them. They will face justice, and there will be no peace, no escape, and no mercy under the law. Violence against women must end now.”
