Six more suspects arrested in Meru over gang rape incident

Police in Igembe North, Meru County, have arrested six more suspects linked to a gang rape incident on Monday morning in Laare town.

This brings the number of suspects to nine. Three others were seized when police officers responded to a distress call in the dawn attack.

The survivor was attacked by a group of men participating in a circumcision procession within Laare town.

Laare Police Commander Jared Marando said the incident, which took place at around 4 am, was reported by a resident who witnessed the attack.

“Police officers responded immediately and found the gang in action. Three suspects were arrested at the scene, but many of them managed to escape. The lady was rescued and escorted to Nyambene Hospital, where she was treated and discharged,” Mr Marando said.

The DCI, in a statement on Wednesday, said the six suspects were arrested in the outskirts of Laare town after following forensic leads.

The fresh incident happened even as police investigate a past gang rape attack that has emerged through a video that has been circulating on social media.

The police commander said that investigations are ongoing to identify the victim in the incident.

“We have been informed of another past incident which is not related to the Monday morning crime. It is claimed that the incident also took place in Laare. However, investigators are following leads because it was never reported,” the police commander said.

Various leaders and Meru residents have condemned the rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), calling for decisive action to contain the vices.

Residents have also organised a procession in Maua and Laare towns on Friday to demand justice for the survivors and raise awareness on SGBV.

Former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi and Meru’s Mitunguu MCA Evans Mawira have offered cash awards to anyone with information that can aid in the arrest of suspects in the incident captured on video.

Meru Woman representative Karambu Kailemia called on the police to intensify investigations and arrest the perpetrators.

Justice for survivors

“I condemn that evil act and ask our law enforcement teams to continue being vigilant in finding the perpetrators, both the rapists and those recording while cheering him on. Arrest and arraign the suspects. We should also ensure the survivor is attended to,” Ms Kailemia said.

Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders Secretary-General Josphat Murangiri also condemned the incidents and called for justice for the survivors.

“As Njuri Ncheke elders, we are ready to use traditional means to deal with the perpetrators of rape incidents reported in Laare. We urge the police to move with speed and bring all the suspects to book,” Mr Murangiri said.

Recently, a woman from Laare, who was a victim of technologically facilitated SGBV was rescued after she was stigmatized and attacked by a mob.

Meru County has been in the spotlight over high cases of SGBV which stand at 16 percent.

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