Five Arrested Over Deadly Tharaka Nithi Attack That Left Two Dead, Two Injured
Five suspects have been arrested in connection with a brutal attack in Tharaka Nithi County that left two people dead and two others seriously injured, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has said.
In a statement, the DCI said detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) arrested the suspects following investigations into the May 21, 2026 incident in Tonto Village, Kamwimbi Location.
According to investigators, a gang armed with firearms and crude weapons raided a homestead at about 9 p.m., unleashing violence that claimed the lives of two family members.
The attackers allegedly fatally assaulted a man at the entrance of the compound before firing several shots into the air to intimidate residents and prevent any intervention.
The gang then advanced further into the homestead, where they allegedly killed an elderly woman. Two other victims sustained serious injuries during the attack and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
The DCI said the gravity of the incident prompted detectives from CRIB headquarters to take over the investigation and launch an intensive intelligence-led operation.
“Through meticulous detective work and forensic analysis, investigators were able to identify several suspects believed to be directly linked to the attack,” the agency said.
A series of coordinated operations conducted between June 4 and June 8 led to the arrest of Benson Mugendi Patrick, Kibet Collins Kemboi, Wilson Kinyua Nyaga, Josphat Nyaga Njue and Joseph Kinyua Njeru, also known as Maruu.
Preliminary investigations indicate the attack may have been the result of a carefully planned criminal conspiracy, with forensic evidence and intelligence reports playing a key role in identifying those involved.
The five suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
“The five suspects currently remain in custody undergoing processing pending arraignment, as detectives pursue additional suspects believed to have played a role in this heinous crime,” the DCI said.