A team of detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) has arrested five suspects linked to a deadly attack in Tonto Village, Kamwimbi Location, Tharaka Nithi County, that left two people dead and two others seriously injured.

According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the incident occurred on the night of May 21, 2026, when a gang armed with firearms and crude weapons stormed a homestead and launched a violent attack.

Investigators say the assailants first attacked and killed a man at the entrance to the compound before firing several shots into the air to intimidate residents.

The gang then advanced further into the homestead, where an elderly woman was also killed. Two other victims sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Due to the severity of the attack, detectives from the CRIB headquarters took over the investigation and launched an intelligence-led operation to identify those responsible.

The probe, supported by forensic analysis and intelligence gathering, led to a series of coordinated operations conducted between June 4 and June 8, resulting in the arrest of five suspects identified as Benson Mugendi Patrick, Kibet Collins Kemboi, Wilson Kinyua Nyaga, Josphat Nyaga Njue and Joseph Kinyua Njeru, also known as Maruu.

Preliminary investigations suggest the attack was part of a carefully planned criminal conspiracy, with investigators relying on forensic evidence and intelligence reports to piece together the events leading to the killings.

The suspects remain in police custody pending arraignment as detectives continue pursuing additional individuals believed to have been involved in the attack.

The DCI said investigations are ongoing and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all those linked to the killings are identified, arrested and brought before the courts.