KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Detectives in Kirinyaga East Sub-County have arrested a prime suspect believed to be behind the kidnapping of Gatuto Primary School Headteacher, Joshua Kerai, who was abducted on November 4, 2025, in Kagumo, Kirinyaga County.
The suspect, identified as Patrick Gacoki Muembe, is accused of orchestrating the abduction alongside two accomplices who remain at large.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the trio ambushed the unsuspecting teacher, bundled him into a maroon Toyota Ractis, registration number KCP 816F, and subjected him to a harrowing ordeal as they drove him around in circles for hours.
The incident left the local community in shock, as the teacher was later found abandoned inside the same vehicle at Sahara Petrol Station in Kutus Town.
He was rescued by a Good Samaritan and rushed to Kerugoya Catholic Hospital, where he received medical attention and was reported to be in stable condition.
Following the disturbing incident, detectives launched a comprehensive manhunt, meticulously combing through forensic evidence and intelligence leads. Their investigation led them to Muembe’s hideout in Kutus, where he was arrested after days of pursuit.
“Following the chilling incident, detectives swung into action, combing through forensic evidence and intelligence leads. Their trail led them straight to Muembe’s hideout in Kutus, where the notorious suspect was smoked out after days of meticulous pursuit,” the DCI said in a statement on Monday, November 10.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Muembe is a serial offender, linked to a series of serious crimes, including motor vehicle theft, stock theft, robberies, and shop break-ins across the region. Police described him as a “notorious criminal with a well-established network” operating within central Kenya.
The DCI confirmed that Muembe is currently in police custody as detectives intensify efforts to track down his two accomplices, who are believed to have gone into hiding shortly after the kidnapping.
The incident comes amid a rise in reported abduction cases in parts of the country.
In September, DCI officers arrested five suspects connected to a separate kidnapping in Ruaka, after the victim’s girlfriend raised an alarm when a ransom demand of Sh500,000 was issued for his release. The Ruaka victim was rescued with multiple injuries following an intelligence-led operation in Ithanga.
During that operation, police recovered two getaway vehicles — a Suzuki Swift (KDD 841D) and a Mazda Demio (KDP 468Y) — along with a kitchen knife, ten mobile phones, and other assorted items. The suspects had reportedly received Sh68,000 in ransom before their arrest.
In the Kirinyaga case, the DCI has assured the public that no effort will be spared to ensure justice for the kidnapped headteacher and to dismantle the criminal network behind the act.
“This arrest is a major breakthrough. We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this heinous act face the full force of the law,” a senior investigator said.
Meanwhile, residents of Kagumo and Kutus have called on authorities to enhance surveillance and security patrols, especially in school zones, warning that recent incidents have instilled fear among teachers and parents alike.
The suspect, Patrick Gacoki Muembe, will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
