Wanted Gang Leader Outwits DCI Officers Raiding His House

A notorious robbery suspect dug deep to escape arrest after officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided his house in Meru County.

In a report by the DCI on Tuesday, August 22, the suspect, Jeremy Mutethia, was revealed to be part of three members of the notorious criminal gang who were arrested in an ongoing operation to quell an upsurge in violent robberies in the Meru region.

The three; Narman Kioo Bariu, Stephen Mathenge Njoroge and Matthew Koome alias Pator were wanted for various felonies pending before Meru, Githongo and Nanyuki law courts, including murder, robbery, attempted defilement and housebreaking.

A hidden opening where a suspect escaped through in Meru on August 22, 2023. /DCI

Mutethia however managed to create an opening in his wooden house to escape the DCI's dragnet, one that was camouflaged to the point that it was not noticed during the stealth operation.

"During the stealth operation which also led to the recovery of two motor vehicles used by the suspects to traverse the county to their target spots, the ring leader of the gang Jeremy Mutethia escaped the police dragnet by slipping away through a camouflaged opening in his wooden house," stated the DCI in part.

Part of the information held by the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) detectives indicated that Mutethia and Narman met previously at Meru GK prison as remandees for robbery with violence and murder charges respectively, and have been out on bond. 

Having obtained the slightest lease of liberty, Mutethia went on to lead his gang in a spate of violent robberies including the Turkwel Filling Station (Tigania West) night attack on April 24, 2023, where pump attendants were robbed at gunpoint. 

In the 2 am incident, the victims were tied with ropes after a hail of blows and kicks by eight men who were armed with two AK47 rifles, before disappearing with Ksh57,000 cash & a safe box with an unknown amount of money.

"Later on, in the morning of May 14, the gang accosted a bodaboda rider at Makutano, Imenti North in a botched attempt to rob his motorbike.

"Having failed to cooperate, they shot at him frenziedly hitting his left arm and damaging the bike. He luckily survived," added the DCI.

As the arrested suspects continue being interrogated, the DCI warned members of the public that Mutethia and a number of his gang members are still out there, armed and dangerous.

The investigative agency warned the suspects that their proverbial 40 days were running out amidst the ongoing 'No Guns for Gangs' operation, which was intensified.

"Should you have any information on Jeremy Mutethia or any other gun-toting felon, please Fichua kwa DCI by dialling our toll-free hotline at 0800 722 203. Usiogope!" urged the DCI.