KIRINYAGA, Kenya— Coffee farmers in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, have raised concerns over an increase in theft of coffee stems and ripe cherries, claiming criminals are targeting farms on Sundays when many residents are away attending church services.
The farmers say the thefts have become more frequent in recent months, with suspects allegedly uprooting entire coffee stems before transporting them elsewhere to harvest the cherries.
Farmers Describe Increasing Theft
James Waweru and Eliud Muriithi said the suspects no longer limit themselves to picking ripe coffee cherries but instead uproot entire coffee plants to avoid being detected while harvesting.
Waweru recounted a recent incident in which he had been left to watch over a coffee farm on a Sunday.
According to him, he was confronted by suspects armed with a panga, who overpowered him before escaping with the stolen coffee stems.
The farmers believe the surge in thefts is linked to the improved prices currently being offered for coffee, making the crop increasingly attractive to criminals.
“These incidents happen almost every Sunday,” said farmer Jonah Njue.
Residents Raise Security Concerns
Residents also claimed the suspects have become more daring, alleging that they are now targeting homes left unattended during church services.
One resident, identified as Kibaki, said thieves had recently interfered with his electricity connection while he was away.
“The other day when we were in Kianyaga, they even tampered with my electricity connection,” he said.
The incidents have heightened concerns among residents, who fear that both farms and homes are becoming increasingly vulnerable to criminal activity.
Farmers Vow to Work With Police
The farmers said they suspect the perpetrators are individuals from within the local community and pledged to cooperate with security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“We will flush them out. We know who they are, even if they try to run away,” said farmer Eliud Muriithi.
Residents also committed to strengthening surveillance of their farms as they seek to protect their coffee crop from further losses.
“This was not common before, but now the cases are increasing,” said farmer Eliud Wachira.
