Six More Arrested Over Viral Gang-Rape During Meru Circumcision Ceremony
Police in Meru County have arrested six more suspects over the gang-rape of a young woman in Laare Town, bringing the total number of men in custody to nine.
The assault occurred on 1 December during a traditional circumcision procession and was partly captured on video. Officers were alerted by members of the public and found the victim distressed, with torn clothing, before escorting her to Nyambene Hospital for treatment.
Following the first arrests made at the scene, detectives conducted searches across Irinde, Lubwa, and Kiarama. Using forensic intelligence, they located and detained Dennis Mwirigi, Ismael Gichuge, Elijah Muriki, Isaac Ntomauta, Joseph Marete, and Phineas Mutali, who were allegedly hiding in the area.
Police say all nine suspects are being processed for arraignment, and efforts to trace additional participants are ongoing. In Machakos County, police are pursuing a gang accused of raping a woman, her daughter, and their domestic worker during a violent home invasion in Syokimau earlier this week.
The attackers reportedly stole household items before escaping. The victims are receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition. A separate case in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County, involved a woman who was assaulted after a motorcycle rider diverted her route into a maize plantation, where about ten men confronted her.
Five of them allegedly raped her before she fled and sought help from passers-by. No arrests have yet been made. In Kirinyaga County, three men are in custody after the murder and gang-rape of a woman on 22 November. The victim died from her injuries.
