Prime Suspect Arrested in Kidnap of Gatuto Primary School Headteacher in Kirinyaga

 

By Emmaculate Cheruto 

Detectives in Kirinyaga East have arrested the prime suspect in connection with the kidnapping of Gatuto Primary School headteacher, Joshua Kerai, who was abducted on November 4 in Kagumo, Kirinyaga County.

According to police reports, the teacher was ambushed by three men who forced him into a maroon Toyota Ractis before driving him around for several hours. The kidnappers later abandoned the distressed educator at Sahara Petrol Station in Kutus Town, where a Good Samaritan rescued him and rushed him to Kerugoya Catholic Hospital for treatment.

Following the incident, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched an intensive manhunt, leading to the arrest of the key suspect earlier this week. Authorities revealed that the suspect is a repeat offender linked to multiple criminal activities in the region, including motor vehicle and livestock theft, robberies, and break-ins.

Confirming the arrest, the DCI assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects and dismantle organized criminal networks operating in Kirinyaga and neighboring counties.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and will not relent until every member of this gang is brought to justice,” said a DCI spokesperson.

The agency also appealed to the public to share any information that could assist ongoing investigations. Members of the public can reach the DCI through their toll-free number 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 under the campaign “Fichua kwa DCI, Usiogope!”

This latest arrest comes just weeks after a similar operation in Murang’a County, where detectives apprehended four individuals linked to a kidnapping syndicate in Kangema Sub-County. The suspects were allegedly planning another abduction when they were caught.

According to the DCI, the group had earlier kidnapped a woman and forced her to withdraw Sh585,000 from her bank account to secure her release. Intelligence reports indicate that such cases point to a widening criminal network targeting victims across Central Kenya.