By Milton Were Detectives have arrested five suspects in connection with a brutal attack that left two people dead and two others seriously injured in Tharaka Nithi County, as investigators piece together what they believe was a carefully planned criminal conspiracy. The suspects were arrested following an intensive investigation by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), which took over the case after the deadly incident shocked residents of Tonto Village in Kamwimbi Location. According to investigators, the attack occurred on the night of May 21, 2026, when a gang armed with firearms and crude weapons allegedly stormed a homestead and unleashed terror on its occupants. Authorities say the attackers first targeted a man at the entrance of the compound before fatally assaulting him. In an apparent attempt to intimidate residents and discourage intervention, the assailants reportedly fired several shots into the air before advancing deeper into the homestead. Moments later, an elderly woman was allegedly attacked and killed as the gang continued its violent rampage. Two other victims survived the attack but sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. The shocking killings triggered a major investigation, with detectives from CRIB headquarters launching an intelligence-driven operation aimed at identifying and tracking down those responsible. Through forensic analysis, intelligence gathering, and surveillance operations, investigators gradually built a case that led them to several key suspects. A series of coordinated operations carried out between June 4 and June 8 resulted in the arrest of Benson Mugendi Patrick, Kibet Collins Kemboi, Wilson Kinyua Nyaga, Josphat Nyaga Njue, and Joseph Kinyua Njeru, popularly known as Maruu. Detectives believe the attack was not random but part of a premeditated plan involving multiple individuals. Investigators are now examining the motive behind the killings and whether additional suspects may have played a role in planning or executing the attack. Sources close to the investigation indicate that forensic evidence and intelligence reports have been instrumental in linking the suspects to the crime. The five suspects remain in police custody pending arraignment in court. However, the investigation is far from over. Detectives are pursuing additional leads and have not ruled out further arrests as they seek to uncover the full network behind the deadly attack. The double murder has sent shockwaves across Tharaka Nithi County, with residents demanding justice for the victims and tougher action against violent criminal gangs operating in rural communities. The DCI has vowed to ensure that every individual involved in the killings is identified, arrested, and prosecuted. As investigators continue to dig deeper into the case, the arrests mark a significant breakthrough in what is emerging as one of the county's most disturbing criminal investigations in recent months.
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The public transport strike in Kenya shows no signs of ending as transport operators reject the government's latest offer. This stalemate continues despite a late-night intervention by the state to lower diesel prices.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a price reduction for diesel on Monday night. However, matatu owners insist that the Sh10.06 cut is insufficient to cover their rising costs.
The Government’s "Bridging" Strategy
President William Ruto called an emergency crisis meeting on Monday evening to address the fuel crisis. The meeting included officials from the National Treasury, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Transport.
The government’s primary strategy was to "bridge the gap" between the prices of diesel and kerosene. Officials argued that a large price difference leads to fuel adulteration.
This is when cheaper kerosene is mixed into diesel, which can cause engine malfunctions in motor vehicles. To stop this, the government lowered diesel by Sh10.06 while simultaneously raising the price of kerosene by Sh38.60 per litre.
Why Operators Said No
Matatu owners feel the government is not listening to the scale of their financial struggle. Albert Karakacha stated that transport operators had requested a price reduction of at least Sh46 per litre.
He explained that many owners are currently unable to pay off their vehicle loans or maintain their services due to the high cost of fuel.
"We did not agree to anything," Karakacha told reporters following the deliberations.
He noted that while the government offered a Sh10 reduction, the operators had communicated a need for a cut between Sh30 and Sh35.
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