Police have intensified their search for suspects linked to a gang rape incident in Laare, Meru County, with six additional arrests made following a series of coordinated operations.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said officers tracked the suspects across three villages after analysing forensic clues gathered from the crime scene.
According to a statement issued by the DCI on Tuesday, the assault occurred on December 1 in Laare Town, Igembe North, after a distress call alerted officers to a woman who had been attacked during a traditional circumcision procession.
Authorities said the victim was rescued in critical condition and later admitted to Nyambene Hospital for treatment.
The six suspects — identified by the DCI as Dennis Mwirigi, Ismael Gichuge, Elijah Muriki, Isaac Ntomauta, Joseph Marete and Phineas Mutali — were arrested during targeted raids in Irinde, Lubwa and Kiarama.
The operation followed what investigators described as an “extensive manhunt” guided by evidence collected shortly after the incident.
Their arrest adds to the three men detained on the day of the assault, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.
Police noted that the crime took place during a cultural initiation season, when parts of Meru County typically experience an uptick in large youth gatherings.
Previous concerns around security during similar events have prompted calls from local leaders for more structured oversight, similar to measures adopted during election periods to prevent political processions from turning chaotic.
The Igembe North region has also seen increased collaboration between local administrators and law enforcement after past reports of criminal activities linked to festive or communal events.
Officials say such cooperation was crucial in helping investigators track the suspects across multiple villages.
The DCI confirmed that detectives are still pursuing other individuals believed to have fled after the attack.
“The investigation remains active, and more arrests will follow as leads are verified,” the agency said in its statement.