MERU, Kenya — Detectives in Meru County have successfully apprehended six suspects in connection with a brutal gang rape incident that occurred in Laare Town earlier this week.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrests following a manhunt triggered by the assault, which took place on December 1, 2025, during a traditional circumcision procession.
According to police reports, the operation began after concerned members of the public placed a distress call to Laare Police Station. Witnesses reported that a young woman was being sexually assaulted by a group of men who were participating in the cultural festivities.
Responding officers arrived at the scene to find the victim in a traumatized state.
“[Officers] found the victim in a state of despair and her clothes torn,” the DCI report noted.
The police immediately rushed the victim to Nyambene Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Suspects identified
Following the rescue, a swift manhunt was launched to track down the perpetrators. The operation led to the arrest of six individuals identified as:
- Dennis Mwirigi
- Ismael Gichuge
- Elijah Muriki
- Isaac Ntomauta
- Joseph Marete
- Phineas Mutali
These six individuals join three other suspects who were arrested on the day of the incident.
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All nine suspects are currently undergoing processing at the police station and are expected to be arraigned in court to face charges.
