Prime suspect arrested in Kirinyaga headteacher’s abduction

Detectives in Kirinyaga East have arrested a prime suspect in connection with the abduction of Gatuto Primary School headteacher.

Mr Joshua Kerai  was kidnapped on November 4, 2025, in Kagumo.

The suspect, identified as Patrick Gacoki Muembe, was seized in Kutus Town following days of pursuit by officers acting on forensic and intelligence leads.

Two other suspects believed to have taken part in the incident remain at large.

Mr Kerai was reportedly forced into a maroon Toyota Ractis, registration number KCP 816F, and driven around for hours before being abandoned inside the same vehicle at Sahara Petrol Station in Kutus.

A Good Samaritan found him in distress and took him to Kerugoya Catholic Hospital, where he was treated and discharged.

Kirinyaga County Police Commander Mr Alfred Okengo confirmed the arrest, saying investigations were progressing well.

“Our officers acted on credible leads and managed to trace and arrest the main suspect. We are pursuing others believed to have been part of the abduction,” he said.

Police said the motive of the abduction remains under investigation. The suspect is being held at Kerugoya Police Station pending arraignment.

Authorities urged members of the public to remain calm and share any information that could assist in tracking down the remaining suspects.